By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine on Thursday warned high civilian casualties recorded last month and growing deprivation facing children under fire across the country of devastating recent attacks by Russian strikes.
According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine the Russian forces launched an attack overnight focused on Kyiv, deployed 397 Shahed unmanned attack and decoy drones with 18 high-powered missiles, killed 2 and injured 16.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric in New York noted that 4 Kyiv districts were hit, damaged residential buildings, a clinic and a TV station, while an outpatient clinic was destroyed during the bombardment.
Mr. Dujarric also relayed reports from local authorities of recent attacks in other regions which left more than 9 dead and at least 10 civilians injured.
These attacks came after June saw the highest monthly civilian casualty count in Ukraine since the Russian invastion began in February 2022, with 232 people killed and 1,343 injured.
The data reflects a worsening trend: 6,754 civilians were killed or injured in the first half of 2025 a sharp 54 per cent rise compared to the same period in 2024, when 4,381 civilian casualties were documented.
This breaks down to a 17 per cent increase in civilian deaths and a 64 per cent increase in injuries.
Russia’s increased use of long-range missiles and drones in urban areas and their enhanced destructive power were key drivers behind the spike in casualties.
The growing number of attacks also played a crucial role as Russia launched 10 times more missile and unmanned drone strikes in June 2025 than in June 2024.
Danielle Bell, Head of HRMMU said “Civilians across Ukraine are facing levels of suffering we have not seen in over three years.”
“The surge in long-range missile and drone strikes across the country has brought even more death and destruction to civilians far from the frontline.”
UNICEF reported that an estimated 70% of children in Ukraine (3.5 million) are experiencing “material deprivation” – up from 18 per cent in 2021.
Material deprivation refers to a lack of essential goods and services, including nutritious food, appropriate clothing, heating at home and access to education, the agency said.
According to UNICEF’s report, 1 in 3 children in Ukraine lives in a home without a functioning water supply or sewage system, and nearly half lack access to a space to play.
The deprivation is driven by continued attacks on infrastructure – including water, sanitation, and energy systems as well as on homes, schools, and healthcare facilities, along with rising poverty across the country.
These warnings came as the 4th Ukraine Recovery Conference opened in Rome on Thursday.
It aims to build global awareness and maintain momentum for international support and investment in Ukraine’s recovery, rebuilding, reform, and modernization.
The Director General of the UN migration agency Amy Pope, said that the agency plays a major role in Ukraine, where 4 million people remain internally displaced, and 5 million refugees reside across Europe.
“Displacement on this scale imposes numerous challenges for Ukraine and its people,” she said.
She concluded “Recovery must begin with a focus on the people in need connecting them to services and restoring their livelihoods, so it becomes more than just returning home, but about regaining their place in society.”
