UN report reveals “horrific toll” of Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians

The United Nations reports that at least 436 civilians were killed (257 men, 156 women, 12 boys and 11 girls) and 1,760, including over 100 children, were injured by Russian shelling between 1 March and 31 May 2024. Casualties included 6 media workers, 26 employees of healthcare institutions, 5 humanitarian workers, and 28 emergency service workers.

The vast majority of civilian casualties (96 per cent) were caused by the use of explosive weapons with wide area effects in populated areas, such as artillery shells and rockets, bombs, missiles, loitering munitions and other explosive munitions dropped by unmanned aerial vehicles

The continuous Russian attacks forced people to flee and destroyed homes and businesses. Most deaths were due to repeated missile strikes that targeted rescuers and medics arriving at the scene.

"Five waves of attacks on energy infrastructure have resulted in civilian casualties and significant power outages for millions of people across the country, leading to cascading effects on water supplies, mobile and internet connectivity, and public transport. The full impact of the attacks on the energy infrastructure will only become apparent this coming winter when the reduction of Ukraine's generating capacity may leave many without access to heating and other services necessary for their survival," said the head of the UN mission, Danielle Bell.

• The Russian forces attacked Kharkiv on July 3, using guided aerial bombs. The attack destroyed two private houses and injured six people, including an 8-year-old boy.