People of Ukraine endure one of the most devastating 24-hour attack since the beginning of the large-scale invasion

The attack caused widespread destruction, killing and injuring dozens, including children. The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine a.i., Bernadette Castel-Hollingsworth, has reacted strongly to Russian military strikes on a civilian area of Kyiv on Thursday, calling it a clear violation of the humanitarian law.

Unprecedented scale of attacks

On May 13, Russian forces launched a massive wave of nearly 800 drones, targeting mostly western regions of Ukraine, reaching such cities as Uzhhorod, which is situated around 20 km from the Hungarian border. The attack resulted in critical infrastructure damage with energy facilities and key railway hubs coming under fire in the Rivne, Volyn and Ivano-Frankivsk regions.

According to the local authorities, in Rivne region alone, three people were killed and six injured. Emergency services responded rapidly, extinguishing fires even amid the ongoing threat of additional strikes. All injured are receiving medical care.

Capital under fire

The attacks continued overnight into May 14, intensifying as drones and missiles struck Kyiv. Residential areas and civilian infrastructure across multiple districts were damaged, leaving communities in shock. 

“Families should always feel safe,” said Ms. Castel-Hollingsworth, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, a.i. “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.

Missiles and drones launched by Russian military forces caused injuries and death to at least 140 people, including six children, authorities reported. As rescue efforts continue and casualty figures are expected to rise. 

The strikes have also disrupted essential services, as local authorities report, with water supply cut off across parts of the left bank of Kyiv and traffic restricted in several areas.

Building collapsed, families trapped

In Kyiv’s Darnytskyi district, a direct strike hit a high-rise residential building, causing sections to collapse and trapping residents beneath the rubble. 

Authorities reported 24 five people killed and 48 injured by this collapse. Three children were found dead, including a 12-year-old girl whose body was recovered from the debris. Emergency crews continue search-and-rescue operations under extremely dangerous conditions.

Humanitarian response continues

Despite the risk of renewed attacks, humanitarian responders deployed immediately at first light. Teams on the ground are providing life-saving assistance and distributing emergency materials to help residents carry out urgent repairs to damaged homes.