Ukraine Strikes and Philippines Typhoon Displacement

Attacks on residential areas continue in Ukraine.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported large-scale attacks in Ukraine over the weekend that caused significant civilian casualties and disrupted essential services.

Between Friday and early Monday, at least 15 civilians were killed and more than 70 injured, according to OCHA. Missile and drone strikes on Saturday night affected 10 regions, including Chernihiv, Dnipro, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Poltava and Sumy.

Matthias Schmale, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, condemned the attacks, stressing that civilians and civilian infrastructure are protected under international humanitarian law.

Power Outages in Major Cities
The strikes damaged energy and residential infrastructure, cutting electricity, heating and water supplies in several regions. Major cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa are experiencing power outages, with electricity available only for limited hours each day.

The UN and its partners have mobilised emergency assistance, including shelter materials, blankets, hygiene supplies, hot drinks and psychosocial support.

Philippines: Typhoon Fung-Wong Displaces Hundreds of Thousands
The UN is supporting government-led operations in the Philippines after Super Typhoon Fung-Wong, locally known as Uwan, struck northern Luzon on Sunday, prompting massive evacuations.

More than 1.3 million people were relocated across 13 of the country’s 18 regions before landfall, one of the largest pre-emptive evacuations recorded. Over 480,000 people remain displaced in around 6,000 evacuation centres.

Cash assistance, food, tents and hygiene kits were pre-positioned before the storm, while the World Food Programme has prepared ready-to-eat meals and rice stocks for distribution.

UN Humanitarian Coordinator Arnaud Peral said the early warnings and swift evacuations “undoubtedly saved lives.” OCHA noted that stronger preparedness will be essential as climate change is likely to fuel more intense typhoons.

Demographic Shifts Reshape Europe and Central Asia
A new UN report highlights contrasting demographic trends, with Europe facing a shrinking, ageing population while parts of Central Asia see rapid growth in their youth population.

The report warns that ageing labour forces and low birth rates in Europe are increasing pressure on health systems, pensions and employment, while Central Asia’s youth surge presents opportunities if jobs and education can keep pace.

The brief, released by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), calls for inclusive labour policies, expanded social protection and investments in lifelong learning to ensure all age groups can contribute to and benefit from economic growth.