Steep rise in civilian casualties in Russia-Ukraine war, UN says

The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission has reported a significant acceleration in civilian harm across the Russia-Ukraine war. According to Danielle Bell, the mission's head, documented casualties in Ukraine reached 1,396 deaths and 7,978 injuries in the opening six months of 2026, representing a 37 percent jump from the equivalent 2025 period and nearly double the 2024 figure.

Two distinct patterns are fueling the casualty surge. The first involves long-range ballistic missiles and drones striking densely populated urban centres located far from active combat zones. Russia has relied heavily on ballistic missiles, while Ukraine faces constraints in Patriot interceptor munitions needed for defence. In response, Ukrainian forces have intensified strikes on Russian territory, particularly targeting oil infrastructure. A series of drone attacks killed at least eight workers and injured dozens more, while another strike ignited a fire at an oil depot near Moscow.

The second driver stems from widespread deployment of short-range drones and glide bombs in front-line areas, particularly first-person view drones that allow real-time operator targeting. Civilian casualties from these short-range systems increased 65 percent during the first half of 2026. Residents in affected communities report feeling constantly tracked while performing routine activities such as gardening, walking, shopping, or cycling.

Civilian harm extends across both nations. Russia documented 250 civilian deaths and 1,596 injuries during the same period—a 121 percent increase compared with the previous year. Recent strikes have targeted critical infrastructure on both sides as US-led peace negotiations remain stalled. One notable incident involved a Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel carrying corn that was struck by three cruise missiles while departing Odesa, killing 10 crew members including four Indians.