Ukraine: Russia targets civilians, not infrastructure
16.04.2025
Reading time
2 minutes
On March 18, Russia announced a halt to attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Instead, civilians became the main target. In March, 164 civilians were killed and 910 injured — 50% more than in February and 70% more than a year ago. The violence continued in April: 32 people, including two children, were killed in Sumy on Sunday. In this region, Polish Medical Mission (PMM) mobile clinics assist civilians.
The war in Ukraine has lasted over 3 years. Despite Russia’s promise to stop attacking energy sites, civilian areas — homes, schools, hospitals — are still bombed daily. Since February 24, 2022, WHO has confirmed 2,345 attacks on healthcare. Civilian deaths total nearly 13,000, 78% of them near the front line.
– Recent attacks in Kryvyi Rih and Sumy were war crimes – says Małgorzata Olasińska-Chart from PMM – Some victims may have been our patients. Even our doctors don’t feel safe at home.
PMM’s mobile clinics operate near the front, especially in Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Many patients are over 60 — a group making up over 25% of Ukraine’s population and often unable to flee. Others in need include pregnant women and people with disabilities.
– In Sumy, two children died — they were never part of this war – says PMM President Ewa Piekarska-Dymus – The war causes not only deaths, but deep physical and mental trauma. Three in four patients ask for psychological help. We’re raising funds to open a mental health clinic.
One in ten Ukrainians is internally displaced. Help is needed not only near the front, but also in regions like Kyiv, now home to 300,000 displaced people. PMM provides gynecological and pediatric care there. According to the UN, 12.7 million Ukrainians — 36% of the population — need humanitarian aid.
