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

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed more than 3,000 attacks on Ukraine’s healthcare system since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. These attacks targeted primary care centers, maternity hospitals, ambulance teams, and pharmaceutical warehouses, with 80% of incidents affecting outpatient clinics and hospitals. Nearly a third of the attacks resulted in casualties, particularly in high-risk areas like medical transport. Since the start of 2026, WHO verified 186 attacks, causing 15 deaths and injuring at least 81 people—deaths increased nearly fourfold and injuries doubled compared to the same period in 2025. Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO’s Ukraine representative, warned that civilian casualties have surged by roughly 31% nationwide, with 9.2 million people requiring health support. Ukraine’s Ministry of Health estimates rebuilding the healthcare sector will cost $23.6 billion over the next decade. WHO has already supported 1.9 million people with essential health services, equipped nearly 1,000 facilities with medicines and supplies, and trained over 2,500 health workers. Additionally, 6,400 patients were evacuated abroad for specialized care. Dr Hans Kluge, WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, condemned the attacks as violations of international humanitarian law, emphasizing that healthcare must remain protected. The ongoing assaults have severely disrupted medical services, leaving communities without critical care. Separately, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) launched a program to aid small-scale farmers in Khersonska oblast, helping restore agricultural land damaged by the war. The initiative targets farmers in four affected communities, with a new call for applications issued through the State Agrarian Registry.