United Nations officials have expressed alarm over renewed Russian strikes targeting Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, warning that the attacks are worsening conditions for civilians as winter temperatures continue to grip the country.
Matthias Schmale, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, said he was “appalled” by the latest attacks reported in the cities of Dnipro, Kharkiv and Kyiv. The strikes have also contributed to widespread power outages affecting multiple regions, including Dnipro, Odesa and Vinnitsya.
Infrastructure Attacks Affect Millions
Schmale warned that continued assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure are placing millions of civilians at risk by disrupting essential services.
“Systematic attacks by the Russian Federation Armed Forces on critical infrastructure affect the daily lives of millions and cause life-threatening conditions for the most vulnerable, including older people and children,” he said in a statement shared on social media.
He also emphasised that international humanitarian law prohibits attacks on civilian infrastructure and called for greater protection of essential facilities that support daily life.
The strikes come as Ukraine continues to face repeated attacks on energy facilities that supply electricity, heating and water to major population centres.
UNICEF Steps Up Emergency Support
In response to the continuing disruptions, the UN children’s agency UNICEF has increased efforts to support basic services across the country.
The organisation has been working to help keep heating systems, hospitals and water supply networks functioning during the cold winter months.
Since November, UNICEF has delivered 106 mid- and large-capacity generators across Ukraine. These units are being used to support water utilities and district heating companies that provide essential services to homes and public institutions.
Another 149 generators are expected to be distributed in the coming weeks to strengthen backup electricity systems and ensure continued operations in key facilities.
UNICEF Representative in Ukraine Munir Mammadzade said families across the country are struggling to cope with the disruptions.
“Across the country, vital services for children and families are strained and parents are struggling to keep their children warm, prepare hot food and access regular running water,” he said.
“These generators will help the brave technicians on the ground to keep systems running, to keep the heating on, hospitals open and water flowing.”
Drone Attack Kills Coal Miners
In a separate incident, UN human rights monitors confirmed that a Russian drone strike killed and injured coal miners in eastern Ukraine over the weekend.
The attack occurred on Sunday in the city of Ternivka in the Dnipropetrovsk region, an area located roughly 65 kilometres from the frontline.
According to local authorities, the strike killed 12 civilians and wounded 16 others.
Danielle Bell, head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, said the attack highlights the growing risks civilians face even in areas distant from active combat zones.
“This incident highlights the dangers civilians face when hostilities extend into areas of everyday life, even well beyond the active fighting zone,” she said.
Civilians Targeted During Commute
The victims were coal mine workers travelling home by bus after completing their shift at a nearby mine.
Witnesses said several drones struck the road near the bus over a period of several minutes, triggering explosions that shattered the vehicle’s windows and caused heavy casualties among passengers.
Other civilians driving nearby and individuals who rushed to assist the injured were also reportedly among the victims.
UN investigators visited the site on Monday to document the aftermath. They observed two large craters, one in front of and another behind the damaged bus, as well as fragments believed to be from the drones used in the strike.
Survivors Describe Chaos
Human rights monitors interviewed survivors who described scenes of panic and confusion following the explosions.
One injured miner said he managed to escape through a shattered bus window after the first blast. As passengers tried to help one another, a second explosion occurred shortly afterwards.
He told investigators that the victims were ordinary workers simply trying to return home after their shift.
“This is all wrong,” the miner said. “We are ordinary coal mine workers. People were simply returning to their homes, to their families.”
UN officials say the incident underscores the continuing human toll of the conflict, as civilians remain exposed to deadly attacks even far from the main battlefield.
