UN food aid warehouse in Dnipro struck by Russian Iskander missile, impacting supplies for 130,000 people

A United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse in Dnipro used for humanitarian operations was struck by a precision-guided Iskander ballistic missile on 25 May, the agency said.

Humanitarian organizations operating in Ukraine have regularly faced Russian attacks targeting aid infrastructure during the war, including warehouses, distribution sites, and transport assets, often in areas close to active fighting.

Aid warehouse holding supplies for 130,000 people struck

The strike destroyed significant stocks of food intended for civilians living near the front line. 

WFP said the facility contained enough supplies to support around 130,000 people, with an estimated value of roughly $1.4 million. All staff were reported safe, while teams were deployed to assess damage to infrastructure, vehicles, and remaining aid.

“Targeting humanitarians trying to save innocent civilians affected by war is a crime and a violation of international humanitarian law,” said Richard Ragan, WFP Representative in Ukraine. 

He noted this was the second time the same warehouse had been hit, after a drone strike in November 2025.

The WFP also said that over the past 18 months it has recorded more than 84 incidents affecting its warehouses, distribution points, transport vehicles, and partner facilities across Ukraine.

Notably, the UN statement did not name Russia as the party responsible for the strike, despite Ukrainian officials and the UN’s own description of the weapon used and the nature of the attack.

Ukrainian response and calls for stronger action against Russia

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the strike as part of continued attacks on humanitarian infrastructure despite repeated international calls to protect aid operations.

“Despite recent discussions at the UN Security Council and repeated calls from the international community, Russia continues its barbaric attacks on humanitarian personnel and facilities,” Sybiha said.

Sybiha called on UN Secretary-General António Guterres to use “all available instruments and authority” to pressure Russia to stop attacks on humanitarian operations, arguing that stronger action is needed to protect aid delivery in frontline areas.

Dnipro, a major industrial city in central-eastern Ukraine, has been repeatedly targeted by Russian missile and drone strikes since the start of the full-scale invasion. It serves as a key logistics and humanitarian hub for operations supporting nearby frontline areas.