Russia-Ukraine War Sees Rise in Civilian Casualties

The United Nations reported on Tuesday that the first half of 2026 has seen a steep increase in the number of civilians killed or wounded in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The UN’s latest figures, drawn from field reports and hospital records, indicate that the toll has risen sharply compared with the same period in previous years.

Both Moscow and Kyiv have intensified air‑strike campaigns against critical infrastructure, a development that the UN said has contributed to the higher casualty rates. The Russian invasion, now in its fifth year, has seen a corresponding escalation in the frequency and precision of strikes on targets such as power plants, transportation hubs and residential areas, according to the agency’s analysis.

The UN’s statement underscores the growing humanitarian impact of the conflict, noting that the rise in civilian casualties reflects the continued use of air power by both sides. The organization called for renewed efforts to protect non‑combatants as the war persists.