UN Reports 40% Surge in Ukrainian Civilian Casualties From Russian Air Attacks

Russian attacks across Ukraine have killed at least 1,270 civilians and injured over 6,000 others over the last 18 months, representing a 40% increase compared to the previous year.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated on July 3 that this rise in casualties is tied to Russia’s massive use of long-range weapons and drones.

During strikes on May 13 and 14 alone, Russian forces launched more than 1,500 drones and missiles, killing 27 and injuring 83 peaceful residents. Türk noted that the actual number of casualties across the country is likely higher.

Türk also stated that, according to Russian authorities, 205 people were killed and 1,302 others were injured on Russian territory during the same period between December 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026.

However, the United Nations has been unable to verify these statistics. “I repeat my call to the Russian authorities to facilitate access for my office to conduct independent verification,” Türk said.

Additionally, the UN reported that Russian forces have executed at least 20 Ukrainian prisoners of war since mid-November 2025. Another 129 released soldiers interviewed by the organization reported experiencing torture and sexual violence while in Russian captivity.

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War in Ukraine

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“Human rights protection is key to building the trust and confidence needed for any sustainable peace, and can create a vital foundation for meaningful dialogue. This war is causing deep physical and psychological wounds. Human rights must be the driving force behind efforts to ensure a lasting peace,” Türk stated.

The July 2 attack resulted in 30 fatalities and left over 90 people injured, marking it as one of the largest and most destructive aerial strikes on the capital. The large-scale bombardment caused widespread damage to civilian infrastructure across multiple city districts, including severe destruction to a residential building.

During the massive overnight attack more than 52,500 people, including nearly 4,500 children, took shelter from Russian strikes in the Kyiv metro.

This marked the highest number of people using the underground stations as shelters since the start of the full-scale invasion. The assault itself was one of the largest combined aerial attacks on the capital, involving ballistic missiles and hundreds of strike drones.

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