Devastating Impact of Escalating Attacks on Civilians in Ukraine

Strategic Insights -

The escalating attacks in Ukraine by Russian forces have resulted in the deaths of at least 139 civilians and injuries to 791 people in July alone, according to the UN human rights office, OHCHR. The attacks are not limited to active combat zones, with damage reported in multiple regions across the country. The psychological toll on civilians is also evident, with a recent assessment finding that seven out of 10 people have experienced anxiety, depression, or severe stress over the past 12 months.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 139 civilians have been killed and 791 injured in July alone due to Russian forces' attacks, according to the UN human rights office, OHCHR.
  • The attacks have resulted in damage in multiple regions across Ukraine, including Chernivtsi, Lviv, Cherkasy, Volyn, and Kirovohrad, which are far from active combat zones.
  • The UN World Health Organization (WHO) has verified 2,504 attacks on health facilities and personnel in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation on 24 February 2022.
  • WHO mobile teams have conducted more than 7,500 consultations in 2025 so far, but 69 per cent of residents in frontline areas have not seen a primary care doctor, compared to 74 per cent nationally.
  • The psychological toll is evident, with seven out of 10 people reporting anxiety, depression, or severe stress over the past 12 months, and one in two people experiencing significant stress in just the past two months.
  • Only 35.5 per cent of the required $129 million for WHO's 2025 response has been secured, leaving more than two million people without adequate medical support.
  • The UN human rights chief has called for an immediate end to hostilities and efforts toward a just and lasting peace, including accountability for human rights violations and the return of deported children.

Statistics:

  • At least 139 civilians have been killed and 791 injured in July alone due to Russian forces' attacks.
  • 2,504 attacks on health facilities and personnel have been verified in Ukraine since 24 February 2022.
  • WHO mobile teams have conducted more than 7,500 consultations in 2025 so far.
  • Only 69 per cent of residents in frontline areas have seen a primary care doctor, compared to 74 per cent nationally.
  • 35.5 per cent of the required $129 million for WHO's 2025 response has been secured, leaving more than two million people without adequate medical support.
  • Seven out of 10 people have experienced anxiety, depression, or severe stress over the past 12 months.

Sources:

  • United Nations human rights office, OHCHR (http://www.ohchr.org/EN/pages/home.aspx)
  • World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/)
  • Volker TÈ­rk, UN human rights chief (statement)