The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has voiced deep concern over escalating attacks on populated areas in Ukraine and their severe impact on children. “I’m devastated by the ongoing attacks hitting heavily populated areas. They are killing and injuring many people, including children,” said Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative to Ukraine, in a statement on Saturday.
In Poltava, a missile strike on a residential building reportedly injured three children. At least four others suffered wounds in Kramatorsk, Sumy, and Synelnykove in recent days, causing UNICEF to worry more about the impact on children.
Beyond physical injuries, the violence leaves lasting psychological scars on children. “These brutal attacks do not only cause physical and mental harm but strike at the holistic development of children,” Mammadzade emphasized, reiterating the support of UNICEF.
EDUCATION UNDER SIEGE
The conflict has also severely affected education. In Odesa, two schools were reportedly damaged—one of which had received shatter-resistant film from UNICEF, preventing major interior destruction. Schools in Nikopol and Zaporizhzhia also sustained damage.
UNICEF reiterated its call for the protection of children and vital infrastructure such as schools, health facilities, and social services.
“Hitting heavily populated areas with explosive weapons must be avoided for the sake of every child, every civilian,” Mammadzade urged, emphasizing the stance of UNICEF.
He also stressed the need for sustained peace so children can recover, regain access to education, and rebuild their futures, a goal strongly supported by UNICEF.
HEALTHCARE SYSTEM UNDER PRESSURE
The violence has worsened Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis, with widespread destruction of homes, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure. UNICEF has been vocal about this issue.
Fighting has intensified along the Donetsk and Kharkiv frontlines, triggering mass displacement. In the first two weeks of January, over 1,600 people, including children, fled their homes. Authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders for families in high-risk areas.
On 11 January, officials evacuated 132 people, including 12 children, from Donetsk oblast. On 23 January, another 267 children were relocated from high-risk areas in Kharkiv oblast.
HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE EFFORTS
To address the crisis, Health Cluster partners coordinate with local authorities. They continue deploying mobile medical teams. These teams provide critical healthcare and mental health support.
In January alone, these teams delivered essential medical services to 578 people at two transit centers in Kharkiv and Dnipro oblasts.
Led by the UN’s World Health Organization (WHO), the Health Cluster coordinates efforts of over 900 global partners. They address urgent health needs in humanitarian emergencies. They offer expertise, capacity-building, and technical guidance. This ensures effective, life-saving responses.
The escalating violence in Ukraine is taking a devastating toll on children. UNICEF and global humanitarian agencies continue to call for immediate protection of civilians and essential infrastructure as they work to alleviate suffering in conflict-affected regions.
