Russian strikes force UN to consider moving Ukraine aid supplies underground
The United Nations is considering moving humanitarian supplies into underground bunkers in Ukraine after Russian strikes hit 10 of its warehouses this year, destroying millions of dollars’ worth of aid.
Matthias Schmale, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine, told Reuters that the organization is also delaying purchases until the last possible moment to reduce the amount of time supplies remain exposed to potential strikes.
One of the World Health Organization’s main warehouses containing medical supplies was hit earlier in September. Other strikes have destroyed hygiene kits and school supplies for children.
“These deliberate attacks on warehousing capacities are a new trend of the last few months,” Schmale said.
“This feels increasingly like the front line is moving into the air,” he added, noting that replacing destroyed supplies creates additional costs for donors that were not anticipated in the UN’s $2.3 billion humanitarian aid budget for Ukraine in 2026.
The UN is also investing in additional armored vehicles and drone-detection equipment to protect its staff.
Schmale said the organization is considering Ukrainian requests for mobile shelters against drones in public spaces, including near bus stops, as civilian casualties from drone attacks rise.
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