Not a target: children in Ukraine must be protected from attacks
28 May 2025Missile and drone strikes across Ukraine this week have killed at least 13 people and injured 65, devastating more than 30 cities and towns.
Missile and drone strikes across Ukraine this week have killed at least 13 people and injured 65, devastating more than 30 cities and towns.
This large-scale attack – one of the most extensive aerial assaults since the full-scale war – took place overnight on 25 May. Cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa, Lviv and Poltava were among those targeted.
In Korostyshiv, a town in Zhytomyr Oblast, 3 children aged 8, 12, and 17 were killed while asleep in their home when it was struck. In Kyiv alone, missile fragments hit residential neighbourhoods, damaging homes, a hospital and a kindergarten.
This is not an isolated incident – it is part of a devastating pattern. Since the full-scale war began in February 2022, at least 669 children have been killed and over 1,833 injured, according to UN-verified figures. The actual numbers are likely much higher.
Education disrupted for millions of children
More than 5 million children in Ukraine have had their education disrupted due to the war, with approximately 3.6 million directly affected by school closures. Over 3,500 educational institutions have been damaged, and nearly 400 have been completely destroyed. The education of an entire generation is at risk.
The conflict has also led to widespread displacement, with families forced to leave their homes and repeated exposure to violence and trauma among children as airstrikes continue.
“This is the moment for principled action: not just to condemn these attacks, but to prevent them from happening again and to ensure that children are protected.”
Sven Coppens, Ukraine Refugee Crisis Response Director at Plan International
These attacks violate international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. The use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas has long-lasting, often irreversible impacts on children’s physical and mental health.
“As the war drags on and global attention fluctuates, children in Ukraine remain under constant threat,” said Sven Coppens, Ukraine Refugee Crisis Response Director at Plan International.
“We urge the international community — including those reassessing their positions and alliances — to apply meaningful diplomatic pressure for an immediate ceasefire and a just resolution.
“Civilians, especially children, must be at the heart of all peace efforts. This is the moment for principled action: not just to condemn these attacks, but to prevent them from happening again and to ensure that children are protected.”
Urgent action required to protect children
Plan International calls for urgent and sustained action to protect children and civilians in Ukraine. All attacks on civilian infrastructure and population centres must cease immediately, and international humanitarian and human rights law — particularly the rights of children — must be upheld without exception.
Unfettered humanitarian access to affected communities is essential to deliver life-saving assistance, including mental health and psychosocial support services, which are now more critical than ever for children living under the constant threat of violence.
There is also an urgent need to expand and sustain specialised medical services for children affected by explosive weapons in populated areas, landmines, and other conflict-related injuries. This includes emergency medical care, rehabilitation, access to prosthetics and long-term physical and psychological recovery.
Plan International stands in solidarity with every child, caregiver and humanitarian working under fire. We will continue to provide support to conflict-affected communities in Ukraine and the region and advocate for a future where every child is safe, protected and able to thrive.
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