A United Nations humanitarian convoy delivering aid to Kherson, Ukraine was struck twice by drones on May 13 despite prior coordination with Ukrainian and Russian forces, the UN confirmed today [1, 2]. No injuries were reported from the drone strikes on the convoy, which was clearly marked as UN and part of an inter-agency humanitarian mission led by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) [1, 2].
UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said, "The clearly-marked vehicle was part of an inter-agency humanitarian mission, led by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, that had been notified to the parties well in advance." He emphasized the importance of respecting humanitarian operations amid conflict [2].
The UN has not assigned blame for the drone attacks to either Ukrainian or Russian forces and is working to establish the full facts surrounding the incident [1, 2]. Haq reiterated that "international law, including international humanitarian law, must be respected at all times. Civilians and civilian objects, including humanitarian relief personnel and objects used for humanitarian relief operations, must be respected and protected at all times." [2]
On May 15, the United Nations publicly expressed alarm over the attack and reiterated the need to respect international humanitarian law in the conduct of all parties to the conflict [2]. The strikes put renewed focus on the dangers humanitarian workers face delivering aid in Ukraine.
Investigation into the drone attacks is ongoing as the UN seeks clarity on circumstances and responsibility. Aid deliveries to vulnerable populations in Kherson remain a priority despite the risks.
The UN plans further briefings on the situation as more information becomes available.
