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

UN reports that in the first eight months of 2026, at least 2,222 civilians were killed and 13,058 wounded in Ukraine, totaling 15,280 casualties, a 55% increase over the same period in 2025. July and August were the deadliest months, with long-range Russian missile and drone strikes causing 47% of August's casualties, mostly far from the front line. Near the front, short-range drones caused about 30% of that month's casualties. The UN says the 2026 toll has already exceeded the full-year 2025 figure, with the war entering a "dangerous new phase." Since the full-scale invasion began, at least 17,257 civilians have been confirmed killed, including 835 children.