Protection of civilians

With at least 1,575 civilian casualties (232 killed; 1,343 injured), June 2025 has been the month with the highest number of civilian casualties in three years. The number of civilians killed in June is the highest in almost a year.

The military use of short-range drones in frontline areas of Ukraine has intensified over the past year, driven by technological advancements and increased production rates. While innovations, particularly in targeting capabilities, have enhanced operational precision, they have not increased civilian protection.

May 2025, at least 183 civilians were killed and 836 injured, continuing a trend of high civilian casualties this year. The number of civilians killed in May is the second highest in 2025, following April.

With at least 209 civilians killed and 1,146 injured, the number of civilian casualties in April was 23 per cent higher than in March 2025, and 84 per cent higher than in April 2024. April was also the deadliest month for civilians since September 2024.

Civilian casualties in Ukraine continued to rise in March with at least 164 civilians killed and 910 injured in Ukraine.