Civilian casualties in Ukraine have climbed to their highest monthly level since the early weeks of Russia’s full-scale invasion, according to the United Nations.
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine said it verified at least 437 civilians killed and 2,610 injured in July, a 30% rise from June and 70% more than in July 2025.
July recorded the highest overall number of civilian casualties since March 2022, while the number of people killed was the highest since May 2022.
The UN said the true toll was likely higher, with some reports still being verified.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, the UN has verified at least 16,874 civilian deaths and 51,273 injuries in Ukraine.
Long-range missiles and drones remained the biggest cause of civilian casualties in July, accounting for 38% of the total. Short-range drones operating close to the frontline accounted for another 27% of casualties.
“Civilians are facing intensified risks from the increased use of missiles and drones in urban centers, glide bombs in cities closer to the frontline, and short-range drones,” said head of the mission Danielle Bell.
Russia launched at least 429 missiles during the month, more than twice the number fired in June, according to the UN.
The deadliest attack came on July 2, when Russian forces launched 74 missiles and almost 500 long-range drones, mostly against Kyiv. At least 30 civilians were killed and 104 injured.
