Ukraine civilian casualties reach highest level since May 2022

July was the deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine since May 2022, according to a report released by the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU). The mission recorded at least 437 civilian deaths and 2,610 injuries during the month, representing a 30% increase compared to June.

Since the beginning of the year, the UN has documented 12,477 civilian casualties, including 1,839 deaths and 10,638 injuries. This figure marks a 44% increase compared to the same period last year and is double the number recorded during the same period in 2024.

Danielle Bell of the HRMMU noted that civilians face heightened risks due to the increased use of missiles and drones in urban centers, as well as glide bombs in cities closer to the front lines. Long-range missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) were the primary causes of casualties in July, accounting for 38% of the total. Kyiv was particularly affected, suffering at least 54 deaths and 202 injuries from repeated ballistic and cruise missile attacks.