UN report: Ukraine civilian casualties at record highs as energy strikes intensify

UN human rights monitors reported that civilian casualties in Ukraine remain at record levels, with September 2026 attacks killing at least 328 people and injuring 2,105, an 85% increase compared to September 2025. The first two weeks of October were described as among the deadliest periods for civilians in years. Russian forces resumed systematic attacks on energy infrastructure, striking Kyiv's three main power stations on 13 and 14 October and temporarily leaving 600,000 people without electricity. Ukrainian armed forces also targeted electricity and heating infrastructure in occupied territory and Russia, raising concerns about civilian suffering as winter approaches. The International Organisation for Migration warned that damaged homes and energy attacks risk forcing 1.45 million returnees in frontline districts to flee again, with only 32% of households able to heat their homes adequately last winter. Meanwhile, the IAEA brokered an eighth localised ceasefire to repair a transformer at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, but warned diesel fuel supplies there are running low.