Kyiv, Ukraine – November 14, 2025
In the wake of a deadly missile and drone strike that shook Ukraine’s capital and surrounding regions, the United Nations has strongly condemned the continued targeting of civilians and critical infrastructure as winter sets in.
The early morning assault on Friday led to the deaths of multiple civilians and left many others wounded, including at least two children, according to preliminary reports. Residential areas, medical facilities, and heating networks in Kyiv suffered significant damage.
“Ongoing Civilian Harm is Unacceptable,” Says UN Coordinator
Matthias Schmale, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, issued a public statement condemning the strike:
“The relentless pattern of attacks on civilian targets must end. These strikes continue to devastate families, damage hospitals and homes, and threaten lives during one of the harshest seasons of the year.”
Children Caught in the Crossfire
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) confirmed that children were among those injured, including a 7- and a 10-year-old. As power and heating infrastructure are repeatedly targeted, humanitarian organizations warn of dangerous conditions for families, especially the youngest and most vulnerable.
A local boy named Viacheslav recounted the horror of the explosion to UN teams:
“There was a loud rumble, then the windows blew out. I was terrified,” he said, recalling the moment the strike hit his neighborhood.
Humanitarian Aid Struggles to Keep Up
The full-scale war, now entering its fourth year, has left deep scars on the Ukrainian population. Over 14,500 people have lost their lives since the conflict escalated, and nearly 13 million citizens are currently in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
Despite ongoing security threats and infrastructure breakdowns, 8.4 million people received aid last year, according to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Ukraine’s Energy Grid Under Attack
The UN also expressed deep concern over renewed attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. October saw emergency power cuts in multiple regions, further straining civilian access to heat, light, and essential services.
Call for Protection and Peace
UNICEF and other aid agencies have renewed calls for an immediate end to attacks that put civilians—especially children—at risk.
The UN continues to urge the protection of non-combatants and the safeguarding of critical infrastructure, in line with international humanitarian law.
Why This Matters:
With winter approaching, the destruction of energy and heating facilities poses a life-threatening risk to millions in Ukraine. Continued attacks not only violate international laws but deepen the humanitarian crisis already gripping the nation.
