Civilian casualties in Ukraine in July reached their highest level since the early months of Russia’s full-scale invasion, as Russian forces intensified long-range missile and drone strikes on towns and cities far from the front line, the UN said in a report published Friday.
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine confirmed that at least 437 civilians were killed and 2,610 injured last month, the highest toll in any month since March 2022. The figures represent a 30% jump from June and a 70% increase compared to July 2025.
Long-range weapons, including cruise and ballistic missiles and drones, remained the primary cause of civilian casualties, accounting for 38% of all deaths and injuries in July.
“Most casualties from these weapons occurred far from the front line in urban centers,” the UN report read.
In recent months, Russia has stepped up attacks using ballistic missiles, which fly at high speeds along steep trajectories that make them far harder to intercept than drones or cruise missiles.
Facing a critical shortage of U.S.-made Patriot air defense interceptors, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued an urgent appeal to Washington this week for additional supplies.
In its report, the UN also noted a rise in the number of deaths from short-range drone attacks near the front line, which killed 111 people and wounded 710 in July, the highest monthly level since the war began in February 2022.
Overall, Kyiv was the hardest-hit city last month, with a total of 54 civilians killed, followed by the cities of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
More than 16,000 civilians have been killed since Russia’s full-scale invasion, according to the UN, with the overwhelming majority of them Ukrainian.
Reuters contributed reporting.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has designated The Moscow Times as an “undesirable” organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a “foreign agent.”
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work “discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership.” We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It’s quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you’re defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Continue
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.
×
Remind me next month
Thank you! Your reminder is set.
