UN records highest civilian toll in Ukraine since March 2022

The United Nations has documented the highest number of civilian casualties in Ukraine since the initial months of the full-scale invasion. In July, Russian forces caused 3,047 civilian deaths or injuries across Ukraine, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU).

This figure marks a significant escalation, representing a 30% rise from June and a 70% increase compared to July of the previous year. The HRMMU verified at least 437 civilian deaths and 2,610 injuries within Ukrainian-controlled territory last month. The mission noted that the total number could still rise, as it does not have access to areas occupied by Russia.

Individually, the death toll in July was the highest recorded since May 2022, and the number of child casualties reached its highest point since April 2022. "Every month this year the number of civilians killed and injured has been increasing. The trend has sharply accelerated in July," stated Danielle Bell, head of the HRMMU.

Overall, the UN reports that violence linked to Moscow's attacks has resulted in 1,939 deaths and 10,638 injuries so far this year. This represents a 44% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Kyiv was among the most affected cities, with 54 deaths and 202 injuries reported in July alone. The HRMMU also noted an increase in civilian casualties within the Russian Federation, where authorities reported 79 deaths and 601 injuries from Ukrainian attacks in July, though this data could not be independently verified.

“

Every month this year the number of civilians killed and injured has been increasing. The trend has sharply accelerated in July. The number of civilian casualties in July is the highest that we have documented in a single month since March 2022.