A 12-year-old girl was among at least five civilians killed in a massive Russian drone and missile strike on Ukraine over the past 48 hours. The girl’s body was found under the rubble of a residential building in the capital, Kyiv. The strike also disrupted essential services, according to local authorities, with the water supply cut off across parts of the left bank of Kyiv and traffic restricted in several areas.
Nearly 24 hours of continuous strikes
Overnight, the Russian military launched nearly 800 drones and 56 missiles against Ukraine. The strikes included ballistic missiles, air-launched ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, making this one of the most intense and prolonged attacks of the war to date, with nearly 24 hours of continuous strikes across the country. The areas affected include residential buildings, a school, a veterinary clinic, and other civilian infrastructure. Similar strikes targeted energy infrastructure in Kremenchuk, as well as port facilities and residential areas in Chornomorsk.
On Thursday morning, despite the risk of renewed attacks, UN aid workers and officials took part in rescue efforts. “Families should always feel safe,” said Ms. Castel-Hollingsworth from the scene. “Mothers should not be waiting to know if their children are alive under the rubble after these missile attacks.” The senior humanitarian official reiterated that, under humanitarian law, civilians must be protected and must not be targeted.
Civilian toll rising
Civilian casualties in Ukraine over the first four months of 2026 were higher than in the same period in any of the last three years. According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), one of the main reasons is the massive increase in the use of long-range weapons: in April, long-range weapons killed at least 84 civilians and injured 628, accounting for 43 per cent of total civilian casualties.
“I deplore the resumption of these large-scale attacks which have resulted in civilian casualties across the country,” said UN human rights chief Volker Türk on Thursday. “Attacks by long-range weapons are one of the leading causes of civilian casualties in Ukraine. Their expanded use in populated areas will only increase the already mounting toll on civilians.” Mr Türk added that the loss of civilian lives on both sides of the frontline from short-range drone attacks is unacceptable and called for an immediate de-escalation to save lives and halt further suffering.
The situation in Ukraine has been escalating rapidly, with the conflict showing no signs of abating. The Russian military’s use of drones and missiles to target civilian areas has resulted in a devastating toll on innocent lives. As the international community watches in horror, the need for immediate action to protect civilians and end the violence has become increasingly urgent.
The 12-year-old girl who lost her life in the recent strike is just one of many innocent victims of the conflict. Her tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis. The disruption of essential services, such as water supply and traffic, further compounds the suffering of the Ukrainian people who are already struggling to survive in the midst of violence and destruction.
The use of long-range weapons in populated areas has led to a sharp increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine. The indiscriminate targeting of civilians by the Russian military violates international humanitarian law and must be condemned in the strongest terms. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has documented the alarming rise in civilian casualties, with innocent men, women, and children bearing the brunt of the conflict.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, the need for urgent humanitarian assistance has never been greater. The UN and other humanitarian organizations are working tirelessly to provide aid to those affected by the violence, but their efforts are hampered by the ongoing attacks and destruction. The international community must come together to support the people of Ukraine and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The images of devastation and loss coming out of Ukraine are a stark reminder of the human tragedy unfolding in the country. The international community cannot stand idly by while innocent lives are lost and communities are torn apart by violence. It is imperative that all parties involved in the conflict prioritize the protection of civilians and adhere to international humanitarian law to prevent further bloodshed and suffering.
The UN has called for an immediate de-escalation of the conflict in Ukraine to save lives and prevent further civilian casualties. The use of long-range weapons in populated areas must be halted to protect innocent civilians from harm. The international community must come together to support efforts to end the violence and work towards a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Ukraine.
In the face of such senseless violence and loss of life, it is crucial that the voices of the innocent victims of the conflict are heard. The 12-year-old girl who lost her life in the recent strike in Kyiv is a tragic example of the devastating impact of the war on civilians. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to end the violence and protect the lives of innocent people caught in the crossfire of the conflict.
As the world watches in horror as the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, it is clear that immediate action is needed to prevent further loss of innocent lives. The international community must come together to support efforts to end the violence and work towards a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The people of Ukraine deserve peace and security, and it is up to all of us to stand in solidarity with them in their time of need.
