The number of civilian casualties in Ukraine rose significantly in May, according to the UN
9 June 10:15
The war in Ukraine is deadlier today than at any time since the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion began in 2022, said Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Peacebuilding. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" citing “Interfax-Ukraine. “
“The war in Ukraine is deadlier today than at any time since the start of the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion in 2022. With each passing year of the war, more civilians have been killed than in the previous one. Meanwhile, concerns about the risk of further escalation continue to grow across the region. It is appalling that some of the most massive airstrikes have taken place over the past few months,” she said at a UN Security Council meeting.
The Deputy Secretary-General emphasized that “it is clear to everyone that the conflict is intensifying.” She noted that Russian forces are using their capabilities to carry out long-range missile strikes and drone attacks across Ukraine, while Ukraine continues to improve its ability to disrupt Russia’s logistical efforts.
“There are no signs of a letup. Although the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is still verifying the figures, preliminary data indicate that the number of civilian casualties in May exceeded the number recorded in April,” DiCarlo said.
According to the UN, since the start of the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion, the OHCHR has confirmed that 15,850 civilians, including 791 children, have been killed in Ukraine. Another 44,809 people, including 2,752 children, were injured. However, the actual figures are likely much higher.
“The United Nations strongly condemns all attacks on the civilian population and civilian infrastructure, wherever they occur. Such attacks are prohibited under international law and must cease immediately,” the Deputy Secretary-General stated.
She also noted that on June 4, the IAEA was informed that the Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant, which supplies electricity to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, had come under heavy attack.
“Currently, the power line is connected but remains vulnerable. On June 5, a sixth local ceasefire came into effect near the plant to ensure the necessary access for maintenance and repairs at the facility. The IAEA continues its efforts to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the plant. All military activity near the plant must cease,” DiCarlo emphasized.
The UN stressed that any prolonged loss of power could significantly increase the risk of a nuclear accident.
