A dramatic rise in civilian casualties has placed July among the war’s deadliest months, with Kyiv suffering a particularly severe toll.

In July 2026, at least 437 civilians were killed and another 2,610 were injured as a result of the war in Ukraine. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine recorded a significant increase in civilian casualties: 30% higher than in June and 70% higher than in July 2025.

The HRMMU confirmed that at least 437 civilians were killed and 2,610 were injured in Ukraine in July. This is 30% higher than in the previous month and 70% higher than in July 2025

– the statement by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine said

Kyiv among the hardest-hit cities

Kyiv was among the cities that suffered the greatest losses in July. At least 54 civilians were killed in the capital, while another 202 people were injured.

The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine linked the increase in deaths and injuries to the more active use of ballistic and cruise missiles by the Russian armed forces. Throughout July, Russia used at least 429 missiles against Ukraine – twice as many as in June. A significant number of these attacks targeted Kyiv.

Danielle Bell, head of the HRMMU, noted that civilian casualties had increased every month since the beginning of the year. This trend became particularly pronounced in July.

In July, this trend accelerated sharply. The number of civilian casualties in July was the highest in a single month since March 2022

– Danielle Bell

Which weapons caused the most casualties

The highest number of confirmed civilian casualties in July was caused by strikes using long-range weapons – missiles and drones. These attacks accounted for 38% of all recorded casualties.

183 civilians were killed by missile and long-range drone strikes;
967 people were injured;
other causes of casualties included aerial bombardments and short-range drone attacks near the front line.

Civilian casualties in Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war

Since February 24, 2022, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has confirmed the deaths of at least 16,874 civilians in Ukraine. Among them were 820 children.

During this period, 51,273 people were injured, including 3,126 children. The figures reflect only confirmed cases established by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.