Published on: 2026-07-03
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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July 3, 2026 Human Rights
The number of deaths and injuries among the civilian population of Ukraine continues to rise. This was stated by the UN’s chief human rights officer Volker Türk while presenting an oral report on the situation surrounding Ukraine to the UN Human Rights Council on Friday. Opening his speech, he recalled the massive Russian attack on Kyiv.
“Today is a day of mourning in Kyiv. As a result of a horrific attack by the Russian armed forces on the night before Thursday, at least 30 civilians were killed and no fewer than 99 were injured. This is one of the deadliest attacks on the Ukrainian capital since the start of the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion and yet another tragic reminder of why this senseless war must end,” said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
According to him, instead of moving toward peace, the civilian population continues to suffer increasingly.
The number of deaths is increasing
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), at least 1,270 civilians have died in Ukraine from December 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, and another 6,850 people were injured.
“This is 40 percent more compared to the same period last year. The actual numbers are likely significantly higher,” noted Türk.
He expressed concern about the increase in the number of Russian strikes using long-range weapons and drones. As an example, the High Commissioner cited the attacks on May 13 and 14, when more than 1,500 rockets and drones were launched at eight regions of Ukraine and Kyiv. At that time, according to the UN, 27 civilians were killed and at least 83 others were injured.
Victims on Russian territory
Türk also reported casualties among the civilian population in areas under the control of the Russian Federation.
According to him, on May 22, during a strike by Ukrainian armed forces on Starobilsk in the Luhansk region, an educational complex was hit. According to available information, 21 civilians were killed and several others were injured.
The Russian authorities, the High Commissioner continued, reported that from December last year to May of this year, 205 civilians were killed in 27 regions of the Russian Federation, and another 1,302 people were injured.
“My Administration was unable to independently verify this data. I once again call on the Russian authorities to grant access for an independent investigation,” he said.
Reports of torture of prisoners of war
The High Commissioner expressed particular concern regarding the treatment of prisoners of war. According to UN Office data, since mid-November 2025, Russian forces have executed at least 20 Ukrainian servicemen taken prisoner.
Moreover, almost all 129 freed Ukrainian prisoners of war interviewed by OHCHR staff during the reporting period reported torture or other forms of ill-treatment, including sexual violence.
At the same time, about half of the surveyed Russian prisoners of war reported torture or ill-treatment by Ukrainian forces, primarily at transit points before being transferred to official detention facilities.
“The prohibition of torture is absolute. Torture against prisoners of war must be immediately stopped, and the perpetrators held accountable,” emphasized Turk.
Strikes on energy infrastructure
The High Commissioner also condemned Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. According to him, from October 2025 to March 2026, the Russian armed forces systematically carried out strikes on energy facilities, especially on the heating systems of cities.
“The scale and nature of these attacks indicate that their aim was to disable Ukraine’s energy system as a whole, rather than to strike specific military targets. Considering the entire energy infrastructure of Ukraine as a military objective is incompatible with international humanitarian law,” he stated.
At the same time, Tyurk noted that the Ukrainian armed forces had struck targets related to electricity and heat supply in Russia’s Belgorod region at least seven times this year. According to him, the OHCHR was unable to fully assess the extent of the damage and the consequences of these attacks for the civilian population.
The world must be based on human rights
In concluding his speech, the High Commissioner called for intensified efforts to achieve sustainable peace.
“I call for renewed efforts in negotiations for a lasting peace based on human rights, the UN Charter, international law, and General Assembly resolutions,” he said.
According to Tyurk, holding those responsible accountable for violations of international law is a necessary condition for peace.
“The protection of human rights is crucial for building the trust necessary to achieve lasting peace. This war leaves deep physical and psychological wounds. Human rights must be at the core of efforts to ensure long-term peace,” emphasized the High Commissioner.
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