Civilian casualties resulting from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine have climbed by 37 percent during the first six months of 2026 compared to the same period last year. Danielle Bell, who leads the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, announced the findings to reporters in Geneva, noting that the organization has documented 1,396 civilian deaths and 7,978 injuries.
The escalation comes as both nations have intensified daily strikes against one another in recent months. Despite the ongoing violence, US-led diplomatic efforts to resolve the nearly four-and-a-half-year conflict remain at a standstill. Both Russia and Ukraine continue to deny allegations that they are intentionally targeting non-combatants.
In response to recent incidents across both Ukraine and Russia that resulted in civilian harm, the UN rights office issued a stern reminder regarding international obligations. Spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan emphasized that civilians and infrastructure are strictly protected under international humanitarian law, warning that any deliberate attack on these targets constitutes a war crime.
