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


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

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.”

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Notes for editors

For more information, please contact UNICEF UK Media team at [email protected] or 0208 375 6030.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.

United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland).

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