UN reports 2026 civilian casualties in Ukraine surpass all of 2025

The UN has reported that civilian casualties in Ukraine during the first eight months of 2026 have already surpassed the total for all of 2025, with at least 2,222 killed and 13,058 wounded. The combined death and injury toll of at least 15,280 people from January to August is 55% higher than the same period in 2025 and more than double the figure for 2024. July and August were the deadliest months, with long-range Russian missile and drone strikes causing 47% of August's casualties. UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo said the war is entering a "dangerous new phase," noting that since the full-scale invasion began, at least 17,257 civilians have been confirmed killed. The UN warned that strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure pose a particular threat as winter approaches.