UN Women statement on Russia's attack on Ukrainian cities - May 23-26

The strikes on 23-26 May—carried out with drones and missiles—left many dead and injured. According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) at least 13 civilians were killed and 65 injured.

Women, who are already disproportionately suffering, are being killed and injured at higher rates than ever before in this war. Just on May 23, Russian forces dropped an aerial bomb on a residential area in Kostyantynivka, Donetsk region. A 47-year-old woman was killed, and three other civilians were injured. Two more women—aged 65 and 88—sustained blast injuries, lacerations, and a concussion.

The attacks are increasing. More than ever since 2022, women and girls in Ukraine live under the constant threat of shelling, drone strikes, and violence. Their access to basic services and livelihoods is being eroded. Their economic rights are under attack. Homes, hospitals, and schools—places that should offer safety—have been turned into battlegrounds.

And yet, Ukrainian women and girls continue to resist. They care for their families, rebuild their communities, and uphold the fabric of society under unimaginable pressure. They carry the hope for the gender responsive recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.

Peace must be more than a promise. Peace talks must lead to security and justice. There can be no just peace when weapons speak louder than diplomacy, or when there is no accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and the rights of civilians.  

UN Women Ukraine stands in full solidarity with all those affected. We remain steadfast in our commitment to support the rights, safety, and dignity of Ukrainian women and girls—and to pursue justice for the survivors and victims of Russia’s war against Ukraine. 

#ForAllWomenAndGirls