Two Norwegian People’s Aid staff killed in attack in Ukraine

Press release updated 25 June 2026 at 10:45 

The attack took place in Kherson Oblast in southern Ukraine at around 12:50 local time on Wednesday 24 June. All those killed and injured are Ukrainian nationals. 

According to the latest information, one staff member was killed at the scene, while another was taken to hospital in critical condition and later died from the injuries. Four others sustained moderate but not life-threatening injuries. All received immediate medical assistance, and those injured are now being treated in hospital. All next of kin have been notified. 

Military authorities in Kherson have said through Ukrainian media that Norwegian People’s Aid was hit by a Russian Iskander-M missile. We are is still working to verify this information and the more detailed circumstances surrounding the attack. 

When the attack occurred, Norwegian People’s Aid immediately suspended all demining operations in the country to protect its staff. The country programme is now focused on crisis response and on supporting the colleagues affected. 

This is a devastating loss. My thoughts are with the families and the bereaved. Our most important task now is to care for them, for the injured and for our other staff. We are all profoundly affected by what has happened, says Secretary General Raymond Johansen. 

This attack shows how dangerous it is to be a humanitarian worker in war and conflict. Sadly, it is part of an alarming trend: humanitarian organizations like ours are protected under international humanitarian law, yet are attacked ever more frequently. Ultimately, it is the civilians who depend on our help who pay the price, Johansen says. 

Norwegian People’s Aid have had country programme in Ukraine since 2022 and is one of the 10 largest humanitarian organizations in the country. Its work includes the clearance of mines and explosive remnants of war, protection and preparedness for civilians affected by conflict, food security, and sexual and gender-based violence protection and prevention. Norwegian People’s Aid has 475 staff in Ukraine.