UN reports 30% rise in Ukraine civilian casualties in 2025

Civilian casualties in Ukraine have increased by 30% in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the United Nations' top humanitarian official in the country. Matthias Schmale reported from Geneva that the current year has proven deadlier for Ukrainian civilians as military hostilities have escalated across multiple regions, with drone attacks responsible for one-third of all recorded deaths and injuries.

Regional Impact and Evacuation Efforts

The conflict has affected all regions of Ukraine since mid-2025, with Schmale highlighting the dire situation in Donetsk where approximately 3,000 civilians remain trapped in Pokrovsk amid daily shelling and urban combat. The UN humanitarian office has documented over 57,000 evacuees requiring assistance this year, with nearly 20% of these recorded during August alone as fighting intensified.

Healthcare Infrastructure Under Attack

Medical facilities have faced increasing targeting, with the World Health Organization reporting 364 attacks on healthcare infrastructure between January and October. Recent incidents include damage to a children's hospital in Kherson that injured six people and an attack in Vinnytsia that resulted in the death of a seven-year-old girl, underscoring the vulnerability of civilian medical services.

Winter Challenges and Funding Shortfalls

With winter approaching, repeated strikes on energy infrastructure have caused widespread blackouts across Ukraine. The UN's 2025-2026 Winter Response Plan aims to assist 1.7 million people but faces a significant funding gap, with only 50% of required resources secured. Schmale has appealed for enhanced donor support and renewed respect for international humanitarian law to protect civilians and sustain critical aid operations.