UN Chief Warns Russian Drones Threaten Ukraine Aid Workers

United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned that the intensifying use of Russian drones against civilians and aid workers is creating a dangerous obstacle for humanitarian operations in Ukraine. Following a visit to Kherson, Fletcher reported that Russian forces on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River are using kamikaze and surveillance drones to attack public transit and civilians. He stated that marked humanitarian vehicles have been hit despite protections under international law, leaving local organizations particularly exposed as they manage over two-thirds of operations funded through Ukraine's humanitarian fund.

Fletcher noted that the U.N. requires more than $2 billion for its prioritized response in Ukraine this year, warning that damaged infrastructure could leave millions of people vulnerable during the upcoming winter.

On a global scale, the U.N. is seeking $23 billion to assist approximately 92 million people in severe need but has raised only $11 billion. Fletcher attributed this funding gap to governments redirecting spending toward domestic priorities and defense, describing the current global climate as a "more transactional world" and a "more selfish world."