Ukraine civilian casualties reach highest levels since 2022

July 2024 was the deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine since May 2022, according to United Nations reports. During that month, 17 children were killed and 166 were injured, marking the highest monthly toll for children since April 2022.

Since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, the United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner’s Office has verified the deaths of at least 16,874 civilians, including 820 children, and over 51,000 injuries. Total figures are expected to be significantly higher. UNICEF reported that nearly 3,950 children have been killed or injured during the four years of conflict.

Recent attacks in August have continued this trend of high casualties. In Kryvyi Rih, an attack on a shopping center resulted in 16 deaths and at least 140 injuries, including 23 children. The UN also noted an increase in civilian casualties within Russian territory, reporting 329 deaths and 2,197 injuries between January and July, though these figures could not be independently verified.

Humanitarian efforts have also been targeted, with 10 aid workers killed and approximately 40 injured in Ukraine between January and July, alongside the destruction of at least 20 warehouses.