The UN warns that the number of civilian casualties in Ukraine is increasing, and humanitarian aid is becoming increasingly difficult to reach those in need.

The war in Ukraine, now in its fifth year, is becoming increasingly deadly, according to warnings from UN officials. Kayoko Gotoh, a UN representative, stated that attacks on civilian infrastructure and massive airstrikes contribute to a growing death toll. Last month, 238 civilians were reported killed and 1,404 injured, the highest monthly number since July 2025. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, the UN has confirmed nearly 16,000 civilian deaths, including 791 children. The humanitarian situation is complicated by attacks on humanitarian workers and a lack of funding, with a shortfall of $1.7 billion from the $2.3 billion needed for humanitarian operations. The UN also recently welcomed a prisoner exchange but emphasizes that negotiations must be urgently resumed to avoid an escalation of the conflict.