Ukraine Crisis: UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Warns Security Council of Threats to Peace and Security

[May 22, 2026, New York]

In Ukraine, children continue to suffer severe consequences, as seen recently when a drone attacked a student dormitory, killing six people. Addressing this situation, Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, briefed the United Nations Security Council, calling it a threat to international peace and security and providing the following report.

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The need to discuss the situation in Ukraine could not be more urgent. The war continues to intensify, destroying the lives of children.

According to reports, last night, a dormitory in Starobilsk, Luhansk region, where at least 86 students aged 14 to 18 lived, was hit by a drone attack. It is reported that six people, including children, were killed and dozens injured. Rescue operations are still ongoing, so the full extent of the damage is not yet clear.

This is a stark reminder of the reality that children are being forced to pay the price for a war they did not cause.

According to UN-verified data, more than 3,400 children have been killed or injured since the war escalated in 2022. Furthermore, millions of children in Ukraine continue to be affected by the relentless fighting. They live in mounting anxiety and fear, threatened by airstrikes, forced to flee, and with nowhere to feel safe even when going to sleep at night.

UNICEF urgently reiterates the need for all parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure that civilians, including children, are protected from attacks. We are deeply concerned about the continued use of explosive weapons in populated areas. Technologies such as armed drones have caused children immense suffering and deep psychological trauma.

Moreover, basic services essential for the survival and well-being of children and young people—including housing, schools, healthcare facilities, energy, water, and sanitation systems—remain targets of attack.

We are particularly concerned about the attacks on schools and the devastating impact this is having on Ukrainian children, teachers, and learning itself. Since 2022, over 1,780 educational facilities have been confirmed damaged. This situation not only undermines current learning opportunities but will also have a profound impact on education for years to come.

Amid more than four years of intense fighting, children have repeatedly been driven from their homes. More than a third of Ukraine's children, or 2.6 million, remain displaced. Of those, about 791,000 live internally and about 1.8 million externally. According to a recent UNICEF survey, one in three young people aged 15-19 reported having been displaced at least twice, with the most common reason cited being "for safety." Seeking better education and social services was also cited as a factor for displacement.

The constant fear of attacks, endless life in underground shelters, and isolation from society due to being unable to leave home have left children and young people physically and mentally exhausted. They need support to recover lost educational opportunities and human connections, as well as to heal their unspeakably damaged mental health and well-being.

The mental health issues facing children and youth in Ukraine are increasing alarmingly. A 2025 UNICEF survey found that nearly a third of teenagers reported being unable to perform daily activities due to overwhelming sadness or hopelessness, with girls being particularly strongly affected.

Finally, I would like to make three points to this Council.

First, there must be a renewed, firm commitment from parties to the conflict to ensure they fulfill their obligations to protect children under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The use of explosive weapons in populated areas continues to kill and injure children, and this must stop.

Second, we strongly support the call to ensure safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Ukraine, including in areas temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation. As a neutral and impartial humanitarian agency, UNICEF remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance and protection to every child in need.

And finally, in order to foster the political dialogue needed to put an end to this war and bring hope for lasting peace to millions of children, this Council and its Member States must unite and exert all possible influence.

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■ About UNICEF
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) is a UN agency working to promote the rights and healthy development of every child. Currently operating in around 190 countries and territories, it works with many partners to translate its ideals into concrete action in various forms. Focusing especially on supporting children in the most disadvantaged positions, it works for every child, everywhere in the world. All of UNICEF's activities are funded by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, organizations, and governments.

■ About the Japan Committee for UNICEF
The Japan Committee for UNICEF is one of the National Committees located in 32 advanced countries and territories, and serves as the sole non-governmental organization representing UNICEF in Japan, handling public relations, fundraising, and advocacy for UNICEF activities.