A new UN tally has raised alarm in Kyiv, while Ukraine’s foreign minister says statements of concern are no longer enough.
July became the deadliest month for Ukraine’s civilian population since 2022: at least 437 people were killed and another 2,610 injured as a result of Russian attacks. The data was released by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Kyiv was named among the cities with the highest civilian casualties in the report. Against the backdrop of the record number of victims, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on international partners to increase practical pressure on Russia.
In a post on X, he stressed that the world’s response must not be limited to expressions of concern. In his view, tougher sanctions, stronger air defense for Ukraine, and increased political and economic pressure on Moscow are needed.
There is one name behind this rise in civilian deaths: Russia. Unable to achieve any of its goals on the battlefield, Moscow is intensifying missile, drone, and bomb attacks across Ukraine, bringing ever more death and destruction to our cities… This is precisely why the record number of civilians killed and injured cannot be met with yet another expression of concern alone. It must be followed by decisions.
– Andrii Sybiha
Sybiha Calls for Tougher Sanctions and Stronger Air Defense for Ukraine
Andrii Sybiha said that the response to Russia’s massive strikes should include additional restrictions against the aggressor state, new air defense systems for Ukraine, and inevitable accountability for war crimes.
According to him, Russia is trying to compensate for its failures on the battlefield with missile, drone, and bomb attacks on Ukrainian cities. This leads to further deaths and destruction, but cannot strengthen Moscow’s position.
Putin must understand that killing more Ukrainians will not improve Russia’s position on the battlefield or strengthen its position at the negotiating table or anywhere else. It will only increase the price Russia pays for this war.
– Andrii Sybiha
The foreign minister stressed that the record civilian losses in Ukraine require decisive international action. Such measures must limit Russia’s ability to continue attacks against civilians and Ukrainian cities.