Ukraine: Over 3,000 attacks on healthcare since full-scale Russian invasion

Ukraine: Over 3,000 attacks on healthcare since full-scale Russian invasion

“During 1,534 days of war, Ukraine’s healthcare system has experienced repeated attacks,” it said. 

Every aspect of the system has been targeted, from primary healthcare centres to maternity hospitals, ambulance teams and pharmaceutical warehouses. 

“This cannot be normalized” 

Some 80 per cent of attacks affected outpatient clinics, hospitals and other care settings. They caused immediate casualties, but also disruptions in service delivery, and damage to critical infrastructure, ultimately eroding the health system’s capacity. 

Attacks on ambulances and other health vehicles accounted for roughly 20 per cent. Nearly a third of incidents resulted in casualties, making medical transport one of the highest-risk areas for injury and death. 

“Every one of these attacks is a violation of international humanitarian law, and every one represents a patient who couldn’t be reached, a health worker in danger, a community left without care,” said Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.  

“This cannot be normalized. Under international humanitarian law, healthcare is protected.” 

Rising casualties, growing needs 

The assault on Ukraine’s health infrastructure has significantly hampered the ability of medical personnel to deliver essential care, which is taking place amid escalating needs. 

Some 12.7 million people nationwide require humanitarian assistance, including 9.2 million who need health support, according to UN figures.  Meanwhile, civilian casualties have increased by roughly 31 per cent compared with 2025. 

“Since the beginning of this year alone, 186 attacks on healthcare verified by WHO have resulted in 15 deaths and left at least 81 people injured, with numbers continuing to rise,” said Dr Jarno Habicht, the agency’s Representative in Ukraine. 

“Compared to the same period in 2025, the number of deaths has increased nearly fourfold, while injuries have almost doubled.” 

Continued support required 

Viktor Liashko, Ukraine’s Minister of Health, expressed gratitude to WHO and partners for their support.  He said latest estimates show that it will cost $23.6 billion to rebuild the healthcare sector over the next decade. 

“At the same time, we are doing everything possible to ensure that patients have access to necessary medical care,” he added. 

WHO underlined the need to sustain and strengthen Ukraine’s health system to ensure millions across the country have uninterrupted access. 

In the last year alone, WHO supported 1.9 million people with essential health services, nearly 1,000 health facilities with medicines and equipment, and more than 2,500 health workers through training. 

Additionally, over 6,400 patients were assisted with medical evacuation abroad for specialist care. 

Assistance to farmers 

Meanwhile, two UN entities have launched a programme to help small-scale farmers in Khersonska oblast in southern Ukraine to restore agricultural land and revive farming activities affected by the war. 

The initiative is by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture. 

The partners have issued a new call for applications in the State Agrarian Registry (SAR) for farmers in four communities whose land has been impacted by the hostilities and further affected by drought. 

Eligible applicants include agricultural producers cultivating between three and 300 hectares of land that is located at a safe distance from the frontline. 

Cash, seeds and guidance 

Those selected will receive cash assistance and vouchers to purchase items such as drought-adapted seeds, drip irrigation kits and other agricultural inputs needed to restart production. 

They will also receive guidance and support in applying for the State compensation programme for humanitarian demining. 

The initiative is being implemented with financial support from the Ukraine Community Recovery Fund (UCRF)—a UN-backed entity. 

It is part of a broader $2.6 million joint project by FAO and UNOPS, funded through the UCRF, to help farming communities in the Kherson region safely return to agricultural production.