GENEVA – In a harrowing update from the United Nations, it has been revealed that over 12,300 civilians, including 650 children, have been killed since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago. The data presented at a UN Human Rights Council meeting on January 8th highlights an alarming increase in casualties due to the use of drones, long-range missiles, and glide bombs by Russian forces.
Russia, which has made territorial gains in Ukraine’s east, has been conducting regular attacks on distant cities. This surge in remote assaults has led to a staggering 30% increase in civilian deaths, rising to 574 between September and November 2024 compared to the previous year. Nada Al-Nashif, the UN Deputy Human Rights Chief, underscored the grave impact on civilians in front-line areas and emphasized the extensive use of new weaponry, particularly pointing out the deployment of 2,000 long-range drones in November.
Al-Nashif’s report expressed deep concerns over these gross violations of international human rights law, which she suggested might amount to war crimes. Despite these findings, Russia’s delegate, Senior Counsellor Evgeniy Ustinov, dismissed the report as biased and accused it of overlooking alleged crimes by Kyiv. Moscow continues to deny any wrongdoing or intentional targeting of civilians.
In contrast, Ukraine’s ambassador Yevheniia Filipenko described the recent Russian actions as “calculated, cruel, and designed to inflict maximum pain and destruction.” The UN documented several instances, including 35 civilian deaths in Ukrainian-controlled parts of Kherson by video-piloted drones and civilian casualties in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops have mounted a fierce offensive.
The report also highlighted the challenges faced by UN human rights monitors in tallying casualties from Russia due to limited access and public information.
As the conflict rages on, the international community remains on edge, watching closely the devastating impact on civilian lives and the persistent breach of human rights laws.
This heart-wrenching update casts a somber light on the ongoing violence and underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict that spares further civilian suffering.