Ukraine — humanitarian situation

Civilian casualties in Ukraine have reached levels not seen in over four years, with July 2026 marking the deadliest month for civilians since early stages of the conflict. At least 437 civilians were killed and more than 2,600 injured in July alone OCHA, representing a 37 percent increase in civilian casualties during the first half of 2026 compared to 2025. Conflict dynamics remain intense, with 1,933 conflict events recorded in the second week of August, including 227 incidents of violence targeting civilians and 1,138 air and drone strikes ACLED. Recent attacks have been particularly deadly for children: strikes on Kryvyi Rih and Mykolaiv on 21 August killed at least 19 people including three children and injured more than 140, among them 23 children UNICEF, OCHA. Since the escalation of the war, more than 3,900 children have been killed or injured. A WFP-contracted warehouse in Dnipro was hit by multiple drone strikes and evacuated in late July WFP. Russia has refused Ukraine's proposal for a Black Sea ceasefire amid surging food prices. Displacement continues to affect populations across Ukraine, with financial hardship serving as the primary driver for returns to unsafe frontline areas. In Sumska Oblast, 26 of 29 surveyed returnees reported that rental costs made the cost of living in displacement locations unsustainable REACH. Displaced persons face significant challenges securing adequate accommodation due to affordability constraints and limited purchasing power (Protection Cluster, Shelter Cluster, UNHCR). In July, WFP assisted 290,364 people with 1,613 metric tons of food distributed and USD 7.7 million in cash transfers, though the organization faces a USD 218 million funding gap for the six-month period through January 2027 WFP. Protection and education sectors face mounting pressures. The health cluster continues responding to evacuations WHO, while frontline cities like Mykolaiv struggle to maintain safe educational and cultural spaces for children amid ongoing air raid alerts and security threats (ACTED, World Vision). Children face prevalent online risks including cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and psychological manipulation SOS. Severe funding reductions are forcing difficult operational decisions, particularly affecting organizations serving older people and persons with disabilities (Protection Cluster). Oxfam completed its planned phase-out of physical presence in Ukraine in August 2026, transitioning to support through local Ukrainian partners (Oxfam).