Civilian casualties in Ukraine have surged by 28% over the past six months, according to new figures from Action on Armed Violence (AOAV).
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, AOAV has recorded a total of 31,288 casualties as reported by reputable English language media. An overwhelming 87% — or 27,217 — were civilians. These statistics paint a stark picture of the escalating toll on Ukraine’s non-combatant population.
The majority of these casualties have occurred in populated areas, with 82% —25,760 civilians— of those injured or killed being so in towns and cities under attack. Urban areas have borne the brunt of the conflict, where indiscriminate shelling and airstrikes have devastated civilian infrastructure, from homes and schools to hospitals and markets.
Sharp Increase in Casualties Over Six Months
The last six months have seen a troubling rise in the number of civilian casualties. Between March and August 2024, the number of civilians killed or injured rose by 28%, driven by a 55% spike in casualties between March and July.
The highest civilian toll this year was recorded in July, with 1,334 civilians killed or wounded in attacks.
While August saw a slight decrease, the overall figures remain significantly higher than during the same period last year. Compared to March to August 2023, civilian casualties have increased by 35%, reflecting the ongoing violence and instability in the region.
Casualties in Populated Areas
AOAV’s data underscores the extreme danger civilians face in populated regions. A staggering 82% of civilian casualties occurred in densely populated areas, where urban warfare has left non-combatants with few places to escape. Cities under siege have become death zones for civilians, who are often caught in the crossfire as fighting intensifies around them.
The destruction of key infrastructure has exacerbated the crisis, with hospitals, schools, and residential buildings frequently targeted in the violence. This has left civilians vulnerable, often without access to essential services and forced to live in constant fear of the next attack.
Growing Humanitarian Crisis
Efforts to protect non-combatants have been inadequate in the face of the relentless violence. International humanitarian agencies have repeatedly called for greater protection for civilians, but as the data shows, the toll on Ukraine’s population continues to rise. With urban areas remaining key battlegrounds, the prospect for civilians is bleak unless there is a concerted effort to reduce hostilities and prioritize the protection of life.
Commenting on these figures, Dr Iain Overton, Executive Director of AOAV, said: “As the war in Ukraine grinds on, civilian casualties continue to mount, particularly in densely populated areas. The sharp rise of 28% over the past six months, along with the devastating figures from July, underscores the urgent need for action to safeguard the civilian population. Without meaningful intervention, the human cost of the conflict is likely to rise even further in the coming months.”