Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The United Nations has strongly condemned a wave of Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, targeting cities including Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv for the third time in recent weeks.
According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), Russia launched 656 long-range drones and missiles during the assault. Despite interceptions, 30 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and 33 long-range drones hit 38 locations.
The attacks caused at least 22 civilian deaths and 145 injuries, including children. Rescue operations are ongoing amid reports that some people remain trapped under rubble. The HRMMU emphasized the significant human toll and damage to civilian infrastructure from explosive weapons in populated areas.
UNICEF expressed sadness over the death of a three-year-old boy in Dnipro and the injury of 10 children across Ukraine. The agency shared a testimony from a 13-year-old girl in Kyiv who spent the night in a basement shelter, describing her fear for survival.
Russian authorities said the strikes were in response to a Ukrainian attack in the Luhansk region the previous week. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called urgently for immediate de-escalation and a full, unconditional ceasefire.
Matthias Schmale, the UN Resident Coordinator, lamented that instead of enjoying summer break, children and families spent nights in shelters, overwhelmed by air raid sirens and explosions.