UN Reports 2025 as Deadliest Year for Ukrainian Civilians Since 2022

In 2025, Ukraine experienced its highest civilian death toll since 2022, according to the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU). The mission verified that conflict-related violence resulted in 2,514 civilian deaths and 12,142 injuries over the year. This represents a 31% increase in total civilian casualties compared to 2024, which recorded 2,088 deaths and 9,138 injuries, and a 70% increase from 2023, with 1,974 deaths and 6,651 injuries.

The majority of these casualties occurred in areas under Ukrainian government control, with 97% attributed to attacks by Russian armed forces, resulting in 2,395 deaths and 11,751 injuries. Danielle Bell, head of HRMMU, stated that the 31% increase in civilian casualties compared with 2024 represents a marked deterioration in the protection of civilians.

The HRMMU's December 2025 report highlighted that long-range strikes with missiles and loitering munitions launched by Russian forces accounted for 33% of all civilian casualties that month, predominantly affecting urban centers far from the frontline. Additionally, 67% of civilian casualties occurred near the frontline, with short-range drones being the primary cause in these regions.

The UN's findings underscore the escalating impact of the conflict on civilians, with a significant rise in casualties and the use of long-range weaponry affecting populations across Ukraine.