Overnight strikes across Ukraine further endanger children and communities
16 April 2026Plan International is alarmed by the scale of the overnight attacks across Ukraine over the past two days (15–16 April), which have resulted in civilian casualties, widespread destruction and further disruption to already vulnerable communities.
According to the latest available reports, the attacks involved 703 aerial threats, including drones, cruise and ballistic missiles. Ukrainian air defence forces intercepted 667 of these targets, yet multiple strikes reached populated areas across the country.
Civilians have been heavily affected across several regions:
- In Kyiv, at least 58 people were injured and four killed, including a 12-year-old boy. Damage was reported across Podilskyi, Obolonskyi, Shevchenkivskyi and Desnianskyi districts.
- In Odesa, attacks damaged port, critical and residential infrastructure, leaving seven people dead and at least 12 injured.
- In Dnipro, at least 30 people were injured, with fatalities reported both in the city and in Nikopol district.
- In Kharkiv, at least two people were reported injured.
In Kyiv, the Podilskyi district, where Plan International’s office is located, was among the affected areas. A residential building in this district, previously damaged in March 2025, was reportedly hit again, further impacting the surrounding community. While all staff are safe, the impact on the surrounding community underscores the constant risks faced by civilians and humanitarian workers operating in Ukraine.
These attacks highlight the continued pattern of strikes affecting densely populated areas. Beyond immediate physical harm, repeated exposure to violence, destruction of homes and disruption of essential services continue to affect children’s safety, mental health, and access to education.
Plan International reiterates that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times, in line with international humanitarian law. Attacks on populated areas further deepen humanitarian needs and undermine recovery efforts.
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