Four children reportedly killed in wave of deadly attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine

Statement by UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Regina De Dominicis

28 August 2025
28 August 2025, Kyiv, Ukraine. Smoke pours from shattered windows of a residential block in Kyiv after a missile strike in the early hours of the morning. Curtains and debris hang outside the damaged apartments as rescue crews continue their search for survivors.
UNICEF/UNI854348/Filippov 28 August 2025, Kyiv, Ukraine. Smoke pours from shattered windows of a residential block in Kyiv after a missile strike in the early hours of the morning. Curtains and debris hang outside the damaged apartments as rescue crews continue their search for survivors.

GENEVA/KYIV, 28 August 2025 – “A wave of deadly attacks hit Kyiv during the early hours of this morning – reportedly killing four children, including a toddler. At least 10 children were reportedly injured. The children were at home in their beds, trying to sleep.  

“Once again, the lives of children have been cut short. Once again, families face a lifetime of mourning. And once again, injured children and those exposed to such horrors must now embark on a long journey to recovery.  

“This morning, my colleagues in Kyiv saw the remnants of children’s lives – clothes, toys and shoes – strewn across the pavement of the impacted residential area in the capital’s Darnytskyi suburb.   

“A kindergarten was also reportedly damaged, just a week before the new school year begins. Instead of the hope and joy that should come with the opening of class, schoolchildren continue to live with incessant fear, not knowing when and where the next attack may strike.   

“We extend our condolences to the families of the victims, and all affected, and call again for an unconditional ceasefire and peace for every child.” 

“UNICEF and our local partners are supporting affected families, including through psychosocial support and cash assistance to at least help start the recovery process for households who have lost everything. 

“Attacks with explosive weapons on populated areas must end, and the sanctity of children’s lives must be protected.

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Media contacts

Joe English
UNICEF New York
Tel: +1 917 893 0692
Georgina Diallo
UNICEF Europe and Central Asia
Tel: +1 917 238 1559

Additional resources

28 August 2025, Kyiv, Ukraine. A rescue dog named Joy waits with his handler during search operations at the site of a missile strike in Kyiv. The ten-year-old dog is trained to detect living people under rubble, bringing vital hope to families waiting for news of their loved ones.

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