Statement from UNHCR Representative in Ukraine

Monday 24 November 2025: I am profoundly saddened to learn that one of our esteemed humanitarian colleagues, a dedicated social protection specialist working with our Ukrainian NGO partner Stabilization Support Services (SSS), was tragically killed in the horrendous Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia on 20 November.

Our colleague died alongside several other people in the rocket attack, that also left many more injured and caused destruction, damaging numerous homes and striking several multistorey buildings.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with our colleague’s family as well as the entire team of SSS. We continue to stand in solidarity with all the people who have lost loved ones in this and other relentless attacks that continue to claim civilian lives.

Attacks against civilians must stop. They are #NotATarget. Their safety must be upheld as a fundamental principle of humanity.

Bernadette Castel-Hollingsworth, Representative of UNHCR Ukraine