“In the last week alone, we witnessed one of the largest aerial bombardments of Ukraine since the large-scale invasion of the Russian Federation in February 2022,” said Director Kayoko Gotoh of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.
Between On May 13 and 14, Russia reportedly launched more than 1,500 drones and dozens of missiles at cities across Ukraine..
Civilians face daily attacks
The deadliest incident occurred on May 14, when a missile reportedly leveled a nine-story apartment block in the capital kyiv, killing 24 people and injuring at least 48 others.
“These large-scale attacks have continued daily,” he said, noting that at least 238 civilians were killed and 1,404 wounded last month alone.
“This represents the highest monthly number of civilian casualties recorded since July 2025,” he said. “It also reflects a continuing pattern of increasing harm to civilians.”
Ukrainian attacks inside Russia have also led to increased civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
Last Sunday, four people were reportedly killed in attacks across Russia, including in the capital Moscow, while an attack on May 15 reportedly killed four people in Ryazan.
“We strongly condemn all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, wherever they occur,” he said.
A UN vehicle severely damaged by two drone strikes while delivering supplies to civilians living in Ostriv, one of the worst affected areas of Kherson.
Humanitarians under fire
Ms. Gotoh reported that UN staff were involved in two “alarming drone-related incidents” last week, an issue that was addressed in more detail by a senior official at the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA.
Edem Wosornu, director of OCHA’s Crisis Response Division, said “Two separate convoys, clearly marked as part of the United Nations” were hit on May 12 and 14.
“These brazen incidents are not isolated. In the same week, other humanitarian missions were affectedinjuring humanitarian workers and damaging assets,” he said.
“The attacks are intensifying”
Additionally, three aid workers were killed and 10 injured during the first four months of the year.
“These attacks are intensifying, making the delivery of humanitarian assistance increasingly difficult, if not impossible, in some areas,” said Ms Wosornu.
“Humanitarian workers in Ukraine are taking immense risks to save lives. However, the weapons being deployed – cheap and deadly – are rapidly changing what it means to provide life-saving assistance.”
Despite the dangers, the UN and its partners continue to provide aid where access allows, but needs continue to grow and a $2.3 billion plan for Ukraine has received some $845 million to date.
He urged Council members to ensure that international humanitarian law is respected and to provide timely funding for humanitarian operations.
Temporary truce and prisoner exchange
Ms. Gotoh noted that amid the growing devastation and loss of life in Ukraine, the UN Secretary-General welcomed the announcement of the three-day ceasefire between kyiv and Moscow, from May 9 to 11, which was facilitated by the United States.
“However, we regret the violations reported by both sides during the brief truce, mainly along and near the front line,” he said.
“We are also deeply concerned by the escalation of attacks by the Russian Federation almost immediately after the expiration of the ceasefire.”
The Secretary-General also welcomed the announcement of an agreed exchange of 2,000 prisoners of war. The first step took place on May 15 and the parties returned 205 prisoners each.
Concern for deported Ukrainian children
Meanwhile, the UN remains concerned about the fate of children who were forcibly deported and transferred from Ukraine, whose “rapid and safe return will require continued commitment from both sides.”
Before concluding his briefing, Gotoh recalled that a year has passed since direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia resumed.
“Although direct talks, which are currently on pause, have not yet resulted in a breakthrough, diplomacy has made it possible for thousands of prisoners of war to return to their homes and for the remains of fallen soldiers to be buried,” he said.
“Negotiations must resume without further delay to avoid further escalation and make significant progress towards a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire.”
Complete summary of our meetings coverage section
For a deeper dive into the emergency session, including a summary of key statements made by ambassadors from Russia, Ukraine and neighboring countries, visit here.