UN: 15,000 Ukrainian civilians killed or injured in 2026, up 55%

The UN reports that over 15,000 Ukrainian civilians were killed or injured in the first eight months of 2026, a 55% increase compared to the same period in 2025, with an average of more than 400 casualties per week. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk documented 15,280 civilian casualties, attributing the rise to intensified Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure. Nearly 2,500 civilians were killed or injured by Russian aerial bombardments, a 62% increase, and the UN recorded "shocking" levels of sexual violence, with 89% of 1,004 confirmed cases attributed to Russian forces. During German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to Kyiv, the Pivnichnyi (North) Bridge was struck again, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Russia warned foreigners to leave the capital, preannouncing "massive" air attacks, and stated it would intensify strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure in response to President Zelensky's threats.