- Category
- Latest news
Russian Strikes Make 2025 One of Ukraine’s Deadliest Years for Civilians, UN Reports
- Authors
![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
This year has become one of the deadliest for Ukraine’s civilian population due to an increase in Russian shelling, as reported by Kyoko Goto, a representative from the UN Department of Political Affairs, Peacebuilding, and Peacekeeping Operations, during a UN Security Council meeting, according to Ukrinform on December 9.
“Despite cautious optimism regarding the renewal of diplomatic efforts, 2025 has become one of the deadliest for the people of Ukraine… Civilian casualties from January to November were 24% higher compared to the same period in 2024,” Goto stated, noting that the figures continue to rise due to the intensification of Russian airstrikes across the country.
Every article pushes back against disinformation. Your support keeps our team in the field.
The UN has confirmed that since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, 14,775 civilians have died in Ukraine, including 755 children, with more than 39,000 people injured, 2,416 of whom are children.
Goto also highlighted that “systematic attacks on energy infrastructure in the middle of winter threaten to leave millions of people without reliable heating, water, and public transportation.”
Additionally, she mentioned that over 340 educational institutions have been destroyed, and there are significant problems with access to essential services in frontline communities across Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Sumy regions.
-b6013e0451ca4c734e6776477f8efb15.png)
The UN General Assembly also passed a resolution calling for Russia to immediately return Ukrainian children.
“People in Ukraine seek a just and lasting peace that meets their expectations and ensures long-term regional stability,” Goto emphasized.
She also stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts in achieving peace, stating, “We hope that current diplomatic initiatives led by the United States will help end the war through negotiations.”
Goto reiterated the UN Secretary-General’s call for a complete, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire and urged all parties to “actively engage in the diplomatic process for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace.”
Finally, Goto affirmed that any peace agreement must be grounded in respect for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
Earlier, the United Nations recorded numerous instances of sexual violence against Ukrainians perpetrated by Russian soldiers, according to the annual report on conflict-related sexual violence presented by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to the Security Council.
-f223fd1ef983f71b86a8d8f52216a8b2.jpg)
-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
