Aid agencies rush to assist victims after major Russian strikes on Kyiv

Aid agencies operating in Ukraine rushed to mobilise emergency response teams on Thursday after a sharp increase in lethal Russian air and missile strikes, including what officials described as one of the largest attacks on Kyiv in the conflict’s history. The surge in hostilities has intensified pressure on humanitarian corridors and strained the capacity of local relief organisations to deliver food, medical supplies and shelter to affected civilians.

The latest wave of strikes, reportedly launched from the eastern front, targeted residential districts, infrastructure and evacuation routes. In response, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and partner NGOs activated contingency plans, deploying rapid assessment units and coordinating with the Ukrainian Ministry of Health to triage casualties and secure safe zones. International donors have pledged additional funding to support medical facilities and emergency shelters that are overwhelmed by the influx of wounded civilians.

Despite the escalating violence, aid agencies remain committed to maintaining access to the most vulnerable populations. They are working closely with local authorities to map safe corridors, provide psychosocial support, and ensure that essential services continue amid the heightened threat environment. The situation remains fluid, with humanitarian groups urging continued international support to mitigate the growing humanitarian crisis.