The past four months have seen a continuous deterioration in the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. The ongoing attacks have brought immense suffering, with countless lives lost, people injured, and many forced to flee their homes.
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) has reported a worrying increase in civilian casualties, rising from 703 in April to 864 in May, marking the highest casualty rate since June 2023. This devastating toll has largely been driven by the ground offensive in Kharkivska Oblast, which tragically accounted for over half of May’s casualties. So far this year, the UN has confirmed that 910 people, including 44 children, have lost their lives, while 3,345 others, including 224 children, have been injured.
Impact on families and communities
The intensifying conflict, particularly in Kharkivska Oblast, has led to the largest wave of displacement in Ukraine since 2023, with at least 18,000 people uprooted in May alone.
Entire communities in the north, like Vovchansk Town, have been reduced to rubble, while escalating attacks in Sumska Oblast have forced families to leave their homes behind. In Donetska Oblast, the relentless destruction has made it increasingly difficult for people to access vital services, forcing some humanitarian organisations to pause their activities. Homes, hospitals, and other civilian facilities continue to be hit across the region, leaving families without shelter or care.
In major cities like Odesa and Zaporizhzhia, the situation is equally dire. Repeated strikes have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, including children, leaving communities grieving and in fear. In Dnipropetrovska Oblast, attacks on railway facilities have disrupted essential services, making it even harder for people to get the help they need. The ongoing strikes on energy infrastructure have had a profound impact, cutting off access to power and water for many, with over 70 attacks recorded in just April and May.
SOS Children’s Villages ongoing support
In the face of these overwhelming challenges, SOS Children’s Villages Ukraine has remained committed to providing a loving and secure environment for children caught in this crisis. Our colleagues in Ukraine have been working tirelessly to support families facing unimaginable hardships, ensuring that every child receives the care and attention they deserve.
To protect everyone involved, we have implemented a comprehensive security monitoring system across the country, with a special focus on areas most affected by the conflict. Every service we offer is delivered with the utmost care for safety, with staff being briefed on how to stay safe regularly, whether from missile attacks, fires, or during travel. We’ve also put in place an extensive Travel Safety Programme to ensure the well-being of our international visitors.
Looking ahead
As we move forward, knowing that the situation in Ukraine may become even more challenging, especially with winter approaching, SOS Children’s Villages dedicated to continuing our work, providing a safe and nurturing environment for children, and standing by families as they navigate these incredibly tough times.
To read more about how SOS Children’s Villages in Ukraine is uplifting children during this challenging time, read our update on Camp Lighthouse – a camp for children impacted by the war’
