Statement by UNHCR Representative in Ukraine on a deadly attack during the evacuation of civilians in Donetsk region

I am appalled and profoundly saddened by a deadly incident this morning when an evacuation vehicle of our NGO partner Proliska came under fire near Oleksievo-Druzhkivka in Donetsk region.

A van that was clearly marked with the logo of humanitarian organization was evacuating older civilians from frontline areas when it was hit by a Russian FPV drone. Tragically, two evacuees were killed, and two others were injured.

UNHCR condemns this attack against civilians who were seeking safety and humanitarian workers. People affected by the ongoing war and those assisting them must never be targeted.

I visited Donetsk region last week and witnessed first-hand the worsening situation there—as well as the extraordinary resilience and courage of people remaining in frontline areas and that of our partners who provide help at grave personal risk.

They must be protected.

Bernadette Castel-Hollingsworth, Representative of UNHCR Ukraine