Civilian casualties among the public in Ukraine increased by 26 percent
Civilian casualties in Ukraine rose by 26% last year, attributed to increased Russian assaults on the country's energy infrastructure.
A recent report by the organization AOAV indicates that civilian casualties among the general public in Ukraine have increased by a notable 26% in the past year. This surge is largely attributed to a heightened focus by Russian forces on attacking the country's energy infrastructure and urban facilities. In 2025 alone, the report states that 2,248 civilians lost their lives and 12,493 were injured, translating to an average of 4.8 individuals affected per attack, marking a one-third increase from the previous year.
The report highlights the dire consequences of these attacks, with individuals in Kyiv enduring severe hardships, including power and heating outages due to Russian strikes. These conditions exacerbate the challenges faced by the civilian population, who are increasingly at risk as the conflict continues. One of the most devastating incidents occurred in Dnipro on June 24, when Russian missiles targeted a passenger train, residential buildings, and schools, resulting in 21 casualties and over 70 injuries. This incident exemplifies the escalating nature of the violence directed at civilians.
As the situation in Ukraine remains precarious, the findings of this report underscore the urgent need for continued international attention and support to protect civilians and address the humanitarian crisis. The increasing civilian toll raises pressing questions about the conduct of the war and the international community's role in mitigating the impact on ordinary Ukrainians caught in the conflict.