UN Warns Civilian Toll in Russia–Ukraine War Rose 37% in First Half of 2026

Overview

• On Tuesday the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reported 1,396 civilians killed and 7,978 injured in the first six months of 2026, a 37% increase from the same period last year.
• The OHCHR said the rise is driven by two patterns of attack: long‑range ballistic missiles and long‑range drones that reach deeper into populated areas and short‑range drones and gliding bombs used on frontlines.
• Casualties inside Russia rose sharply by 121% in 1H 2026 with 250 civilians killed and 1,596 wounded, figures the UN says are based on credible open‑source reporting.
• The UN recorded a 65% jump in civilian harm from short‑range drone strikes and documented growing damage to homes and essential infrastructure that has increased civilian needs.
• OHCHR spokespeople urged prompt, impartial investigations under international humanitarian law to determine responsibility and to protect civilians as verified monitoring faces constraints in active combat zones.