Ukraine’s young people continue to pay highest price for war
20 May 2026Attacks on Ukraine on May 19 destroyed homes, schools and hospitals, with 5 killed including at 15-year-old boy and 49 injured, disrupting education and leaving children without loved ones.
Throughout Tuesday, May 19, Russian forces continued to attack Ukraine with missiles, drones, and other weapons. The attacks have resulted in casualties and injuries in several regions.
Russian drone strikes in the Ukrainian regions of Chernihiv and Sumy killed at least 5 people, including a 15-year-old boy on Tuesday, 19 May. The attacks, part of a wider wave of strikes across Ukraine, also injured at least 49 people.
Reacting to these distressing incidents, Sven Coppens, Director for East and Central Europe at Plan International, said:
“We are deeply saddened and alarmed by these attacks, which come only a week after the largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion. They are a painful reminder of how dangerous life remains for families there.
Homes, schools, and hospitals are being destroyed. Education is disrupted, and children are losing loved ones. No child should lose their life or grow up surrounded by fear and violence. Yet across Ukraine, young people continue to pay the highest price for a war they did not choose.
All parties to the conflict must do everything in their power to protect civilians. International humanitarian law is clear: children must never be targeted, and their safety must come first.
Plan International stands with the children and families affected. We remain committed to supporting them with safe learning spaces, protection services, and mental health support during this crisis.”
Categories: Protection from violence
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