Children and staff in Ukraine safe after July 2 overnight attack in Kyiv

An empty children's playground stands in front of an apartment building damaged during the overnight attack in Kyiv.

Staff, children and families, supported by SOS Children's Villages Ukraine are safe following a devastating overnight attack on Kyiv that caused widespread destruction across the city.

 

During the night of July 2, Kyiv experienced a massive missile and drone attack that caused widespread destruction across the capital. Residential buildings and public infrastructure were heavily damaged, while rescue crews continue searching through the rubble, and the number of casualties continues to rise.

 

According to the Kyiv Metro, more than 52,500 people sought shelter in metro stations overnight, including nearly 4,500 children – the highest number recorded in recent years.

 

Standing with children and families

 

The strike occurred near the SOS Children's Villages Ukraine office, where a Family Strengthening Centre and Youth Centre regularly welcome children, young people and families. The force of the missile impacts damaged both centres, shattering windows, blowing out doors and causing other structural damage.

 

The Family Strengthening Centre and Youth Centre provide a safe place where children and families receive counselling, practical support and activities that help them cope with the ongoing impacts of war.

 

While some staff began cleaning up the damaged offices so programs could resume as quickly as possible, others immediately focused on supporting affected children and families.

 
Apartment building beside the SOS Children's Villages Ukraine office that was heavily damaged during the overnight attack in Kyiv.
A nearby residential building suffered catastrophic damage, causing numerous casualties and leaving many families without homes.

 

"There were children there too, several of them. I saw them in the evening, sitting quietly by the ruins of their homes. They looked sad, saying nothing, just sitting there," said Olena Veleshchuk, National Sponsorship Officer at SOS Children's Villages Ukraine."

 

Child sits quietly among the rubble outside a damaged building, head resting on folded arms, following the overnight attack in Kyiv.

 

Two families participating in the Family Strengthening Program lost their homes in the attack. SOS Children's Villages colleagues met with both families, arranged emergency cash assistance for temporary rental accommodation, and prepared a list of essential household items to help them begin rebuilding their lives.

 

Meeting urgent needs every day

 

For children in Ukraine, another night of air raid sirens and sheltering underground is a reminder that war continues to shape everyday life.

 

Millions of children have experienced repeated displacement, interrupted education, emotional distress and the loss of stability. Through it all, SOS Children's Villages Ukraine continues to stand alongside children and families, helping them stay together and recover. With each new attack, more children and families need support.

 

Across the country, SOS Children’s Villages Ukraine’s emergency response teams are providing:

 

  • Emergency cash assistance for families who have lost their homes or livelihoods.
  • Mental health and psychosocial support for children and caregivers.
  • Child-friendly spaces where children can play, learn and begin to recover.
  • Family strengthening services to help prevent family separation during times of crisis.
  • Emergency shelter and essential supplies for displaced families.

 

Why your support matters

 

Every day, children across Ukraine face uncertainty that no child should experience. Your support helps ensure they receive the care, protection and stability they need today and hope for the future.

 

Together, we can help children recover, keep families together and ensure that no child faces crisis alone.

 

DONATE TODAY

 

Support children without parental care or at risk of losing it by sponsoring a child, sponsoring an SOS Children’s Village or making a one-time donation. Your contribution helps ensure children grow up with the care and opportunities they need to become their strongest selves. Please give today.