Norwegian People's Aid staff killed and several injured in attack in Ukraine

The press release was updated on 24 June 2026 at 8.37pm.

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

According to the latest available information, one employee was confirmed dead at the scene, while another was transported to hospital in critical condition and later died from their injuries. In addition, four employees were moderately injured but are currently out of life‑threatening danger. All received immediate medical assistance, and the injured are now receiving treatment in hospital. All next of kin have been notified.

Military authorities in Kherson report through Ukrainian media that Norwegian People's Aid was struck by a Russian Iskander‑M missile. The organization is still working to verify this information and the exact circumstances surrounding the attack.

Following the attack, Norwegian People's Aid immediately suspended all ongoing demining operations in the country to protect its staff. The country programme is working at full capacity on crisis response, as well as follow‑up and care for colleagues.

“This is devastating. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected. Our most important priority now is to take care of them, the injured, and our other staff both in Ukraine and here at home. We are all deeply 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. It is unfortunately part of a deeply worrying trend: humanitarian organizations like ours are protected under international law, yet are being targeted more and more frequently. Ultimately, this impacts the civilian population who depends on our assistance,” Johansen says.

Norwegian People's Aid has had a country programme in Ukraine since 2022 and is one of the country’s ten largest humanitarian actors. The organization carries out life‑saving clearance of mines and explosive remnants of war, protection and preparedness for civilians in conflict, food security work, and efforts to prevent and combat sexual and gender‑based violence. Norwegian People's Aid has 475 employees in Ukraine.