The number of civilian casualties in Ukraine rose sharply in the first half of 2026 amid intensified attacks and the increased use of powerful weapons, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) reported.
According to the mission, after May recorded the highest number of civilian casualties in more than four years, the figure was surpassed in June: at least 293 civilians were killed and 1,990 were injured. June thus became the month with the highest number of civilian deaths and injuries since April 2022.
"These figures point to a disturbing escalation trend, with rising civilian casualties resulting from the more intensive use of powerful weapons, which are particularly deadly when used in densely populated urban areas," said Danielle Bell, head of the HRMMU.
She emphasized that the trend should serve as a warning that the risks faced by civilians are not only continuing but are increasing both in scale and complexity.
According to the UN, a total of 1,396 civilians were killed and 7,978 injured during the first six months of this year. This represents a 37% increase compared with the same period in 2025 and a 114% increase compared with the previous year.
In its civilian casualty update published on Tuesday, the HRMMU said the rise was largely driven by Russia’s long-range attacks, which primarily targeted urban centers far from the front line. Between January and June this year, civilian casualties caused by long-range weapons, including missiles and drones, increased by 60% compared with the same period in 2025.
In areas near the front line, short-range drones were the main cause of civilian deaths and injuries. In June, they caused more civilian casualties than in any other month since February 24, 2022.
"Short-range drones have fundamentally changed the living conditions of civilians near the front line. The testimonies of civilians forced to leave frontline communities are remarkably similar and deeply disturbing. Many say they feel as if short-range drones are hunting them simply because of ordinary daily activities, such as going grocery shopping, walking a dog, riding a bicycle, working in the yard, or trying to reach a safe place," Bell added.
The vast majority of civilian casualties were recorded in territories controlled by the Ukrainian government. The HRMMU also confirmed cases of civilian deaths and injuries in occupied territories, although their number was lower than in 2025.
Overall, since February 24, 2022, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has confirmed the deaths of at least 16,431 civilians, including 803 children, and injuries to 48,613 civilians, including 2,960 children.
