UN considers moving Ukraine aid supplies underground after warehouse strikes

The United Nations is considering moving humanitarian supplies into underground bunkers in Ukraine after a series of Russian strikes hit aid warehouses, increasing the risks and costs of delivering relief.

UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine Matthias Schmale said 10 warehouses used by humanitarian organisations have been struck this year, destroying millions of dollars’ worth of supplies. One of the World Health Organization’s main warehouses containing medical supplies was hit earlier this month, while other attacks have destroyed hygiene kits and school materials for children.

Schmale said humanitarian agencies are weighing the use of underground storage and delaying purchases until supplies are urgently needed, reducing the amount of stock exposed to air attacks. He said the changing threat environment is also forcing the UN to spend more on protection for staff and operations.

The organisation is investing in armoured vehicles and drone-detection equipment and is considering Ukrainian requests for mobile drone shelters in public areas as civilian casualties rise. Schmale said these additional security costs were not anticipated in the UN’s $2.3 billion humanitarian aid budget for Ukraine for 2026.

The developments come as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year and aerial attacks continue to affect civilian and humanitarian infrastructure.

Source: Reuters. Read the original report.

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