Ukraine war sees sharp rise in civilian casualties and heavy Russian troop losses

The United Nations human‑rights mission reported that June 2026 was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since the invasion began, with at least 293 people killed and 1,990 injured – the highest monthly toll since April 2022. Long‑range weapons such as rockets and drones caused most of the casualties, striking major cities including Kyiv and Dnipro. For the first half of 2026 the UN counted 1,396 civilian deaths and 7,978 injuries, 37 % higher than the same period a year earlier.

At the same time, Russia’s armed forces are incurring heavy losses, with more than 30,000 soldiers dying each month, according to the Russian exile outlet Meduza. Recruitment of new conscripts has fallen to its lowest level in three years, prompting speculation that President Vladimir Putin may order a partial mobilization in the autumn despite the political risk. Kremlin sources say preparations for such a step are under way, though an official announcement is likely to be delayed until after the September 2026 parliamentary elections.