UNICEF statement on children reportedly killed and injured in attacks in the Russian Federation and Ukraine

04 August 2026
UNICEF Global Statement
UNICEF

NEW YORK/GENEVA, 4 August 2026 – "Over the past several days, children have again been killed and injured in attacks in the Russian Federation and across Ukraine.

“In the Russian Federation, there are reports of  a 13-year-old girl killed and two girls, aged seven and nine, injured when a drone struck near a playground in Belgorod region on Sunday. Three children were reportedly among seven people killed in an attack in Krasnodar region yesterday, which injured around 40 others. 

"In Ukraine, at least six children were reportedly killed in attacks in the last seven days:  an eight-year-old boy, as well as at least 3 children killed with their entire family in Dnipropetrovsk region, and two girls - 5 and 10 years old - in Sumy region. At least 19 children were also reportedly injured in the same period.

"A playground. A beach. A family home. Children have the right to be safe in the places where they live and play, wherever they are. 

"UNICEF again calls on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law - including the protection of children and civilian infrastructure. Attacks that kill and injure children must stop." 

#####

Media contacts

Joe English
UNICEF New York
Tel: +1 917 893 0692
Iryna Mazur
UNICEF Europe and Central Asia

About UNICEF

UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.

Follow UNICEF on XFacebook, Instagram and YouTube