Ukraine — humanitarian situation

Civilian casualties in Ukraine surged dramatically in July 2026, with at least 437 civilians killed and 2,610 injured, representing a 30 per cent increase from June and a 70 per cent increase compared to July 2025 OHCHR. The number of civilians killed was the highest since May 2022, driven primarily by long-range weapons including missiles and drones. Child casualties reached 183 in July, the highest monthly figure in more than four years, with 17 children killed and 166 injured (Save the Children, OHCHR). Ongoing hostilities and persistent aerial bombardments continue to damage or destroy millions of civilian homes, particularly in frontline regions like Kharkiv, creating urgent shelter needs compounded by damaged essential infrastructure ACTED. Nuclear safety concerns persist at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, which experienced its third complete loss of off-site power in one week during early August, requiring emergency diesel generators to maintain vital safety systems IAEA. Displacement remains widespread, with an estimated 3.9 million people internally displaced within Ukraine and nearly 5.8 million Ukrainians recorded as displaced abroad IOM. As of May 2026, 4.38 million people displaced from Ukraine held temporary protection status in the European Union. Self-organised displacement continues among vulnerable populations, with many individuals unable to access organised evacuation mechanisms due to factors related to their vulnerability REACH. Protection risks and barriers to accessing protection-related services affect populations across multiple oblasts, including Dnipropetrovska, Zaporizka, Mykolaivska, Sumska, Kharkivska, and Khersonska PAH. Gender-based violence remains a critical concern, with humanitarian workers responding to domestic violence cases in high-risk areas like Kherson facing direct attacks, including a recent drone strike that injured two staff members of a women-led organization (CARE, NGO Girls, Ukraine GiHA WG). Humanitarian access and operations face severe constraints, particularly in currently occupied territories where restricted access, significant movement barriers, and protection risks make direct data collection extremely difficult REACH. Aid workers themselves remain at heightened risk, with attacks on humanitarian personnel increasing under evolving conflict tactics (World Vision). The humanitarian response continues despite these challenges, with health cluster partners maintaining emergency response capabilities following attacks (WHO, Health Cluster).