Civilian deaths in Ukraine surge 59% in first quarter of 2025, UN warns

Civilian casualties in Ukraine have jumped sharply this year, with deaths rising 59% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, the United Nations said Thursday.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, more than 13,200 civilians — including over 700 children — have been killed. Injuries now top 32,400, with more than 2,000 children among the wounded, UN official Rosemary DiCarlo told the Security Council.

DiCarlo warned that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international law and mark a dangerous escalation in the conflict.

She also cited Russian government reports that Ukrainian strikes killed 59 civilians and injured over 400 inside Russian territory in May — calling all such attacks “unacceptable and indefensible.”

Still, DiCarlo pointed to progress: the May 16 Istanbul talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations, the first direct negotiations in three years, backed by Türkiye and the U.S. A recent prisoner swap of 1,000 on each side showed some movement.

“The hope for peace talks is still alive, but just barely,” DiCarlo said. “Peace won’t be easy and will take time — but it cannot wait. The people of Ukraine cannot wait.”

Lisa Doughten from the UN’s humanitarian office highlighted the heavy toll on health care and aid workers. Health services are stretched thin, limiting trauma care access. Aid workers face growing dangers, with 37 violent incidents recorded this year.

Doughten warned that just 25% of the $2.6 billion needed for humanitarian aid in 2025 has been funded. Without urgent help, vital programs risk shutdown amid rising needs.

She called for urgent action on three fronts: protecting civilians and infrastructure, ensuring safe humanitarian access, and boosting aid funding.

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