UN records 15,280 civilian casualties in Ukraine in eight months of 2026

The UN has verified 15,280 civilian deaths and injuries in Ukraine during the first eight months of 2026, a 55% increase compared to the same period in 2025. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk reported the figures in Geneva, noting an average of over 400 civilian casualties per week. Russian forces have systematically attacked residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, with guided bomb strikes causing nearly 2,500 casualties. Türk also documented widespread sexual violence, with 89% of over 1,000 cases attributed to Russian forces. He expressed concern over attacks on energy infrastructure and food industry enterprises, which have caused shortages in some regions.