Ukraine civilian casualties surge as Russia intensifies strikes

At least 328 civilians were killed and 2,105 injured in attacks last month, U.N. human rights monitors said in their monthly report. Ukrainian firefighters extinguish a blaze at the site of a Russian missile strike at an apartment building in Kyiv on Oct. 14, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Genya Savilov, AFP via Getty Images/TNS) (Tribune News Service) — Civilian casualties in Ukraine jumped by 85% in September as Russia increased drone and missile attacks, according to the United Nations. At least 328 civilians were killed and 2,105 injured in attacks last month, U.N. human rights monitors said in their monthly report on Friday. It was the highest September total since the start of Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion, with missiles and drones the main cause of casualties, they said.

“The intensification of attacks by the Russian Federation across Ukraine in September continued a pattern of civilian casualties in 2026 far exceeding levels verified in previous years, with devastating consequences for civilians,” the monitoring mission said. Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, striking energy and water infrastructure as well as logistics centers and residential districts, as Ukraine appeals to U.S. and European allies for help to strengthen its depleted air defenses. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week accused U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire