UN: Civilian casualties in Ukraine from Russian strikes in May were the highest in a Year

The intensification of strikes by Russian forces on Ukrainian territory this spring led to significant civilian casualties and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure. In May, the number of fatalities reached at least 436, the highest in a year.

This was reported by the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU).

The publication notes that in a new report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), prepared by HRMMU, the following points are highlighted:

• The impact on human rights from the new large-scale attacks by the Russian armed forces on critical energy infrastructure, which began in March.
• The impact of the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region in May.
• "Other events in both the occupied territories and the government-controlled areas of Ukraine."

"Given that in May the number of civilian casualties was the highest in nearly a year, the fighting this spring brought horrific losses to the civilian population, especially in Kharkiv and the Kharkiv region," said HRMMU head Danielle Bell.

She added that the ongoing attacks "led to tragic deaths, forced displacement of people, and the destruction of homes and businesses."

The report also states that the main causes of significant harm to civilians identified by the UN include:

• The use of powerful aerial bombs and missiles by Russian troops in populated areas.
• At least five incidents of successive Russian attacks on the same location within a short time interval ("double-tap attacks"), causing numerous casualties among rescuers.

"During the reporting period, the Russian armed forces launched their largest campaign of attacks on critical energy infrastructure since the winter of 2022-2023, resulting in civilian casualties and injuries, and affecting millions of people across the country," the publication states.

Bell noted that five waves of Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure resulted in civilian casualties and significant disruptions in electricity supply for millions of people across the country, "with cascading effects on water supply, mobile and internet communications, and public transportation."

The UN also added that the report will be presented to the Human Rights Council on July 9.