The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, HRMMU, has strongly condemned a wave of Russian missile and drone attacks that left at least 13 civilians dead and 65 injured across Ukraine.
In a statement released on Sunday, HRMMU expressed alarm over the scale and intensity of the assault, calling it one of the deadliest barrages since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The overnight strikes, which hit 10 regions including Kyiv, inflicted widespread damage on residential areas and infrastructure.
Among the victims were at least three children, while nine more children were reported injured. The UN mission said it is working to verify the total number of casualties and assess the broader humanitarian impact.
Danielle Bell, Head of the HRMMU, described the incident as a grim reminder of the immense danger posed by the use of heavy explosive weapons in populated urban areas.
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“With at least 78 people killed or injured across the country, last night’s attack tragically demonstrates the persistent deadly risk to civilians,” she said. “It adds to the staggering human toll this war continues to exact.”
UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, also voiced outrage over the civilian toll, posting on X: “I am horrified that yet again civilians – among them children – were killed in last night’s massive attacks… No place is safe.”
Ukrainian authorities confirmed that the Russian military launched at least 367 missiles and loitering munitions from land, sea, and air in a coordinated onslaught. This followed another intense strike the night before, which also targeted the Kyiv region.
The HRMMU noted that Russia’s repeated use of long-range weapons in urban centers has been the leading cause of civilian casualties in recent months. Prior to this weekend, May had seen a slight decline in deaths compared to April, but officials warn that the toll is now set to rise again.
The UN reiterated its call for the protection of civilians and for all parties to respect international humanitarian law.
NAN
