In the first half of 2026, the number of civilian casualties in Ukraine rose by 37% - with drone attacks serving as the primary driver of this trend.
This was reported by Dengi.ua, citing UN data reported by Reuters.
How Many Civilians Were Killed in Ukraine in the First Half of 2026
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights documented 1,396 civilian deaths and 7,978 civilian injuries during the first six months of 2026. This is 37% more than during the same period last year and nearly double the figures for 2024.
How the number of casualties from short-range drones has increased
From January through June, 418 people were killed and 2,437 were injured as a result of strikes by short-range drones. By comparison, during the same period a year earlier, 218 people were killed and 1,511 were injured in such attacks.
The UN agency did not break down the overall casualty figures related to hostilities by other categories of weapons.
What is Causing the Rise in Civilian Casualties?
Danielle Bell, Head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, stated during a press briefing in Kyiv that the escalation is being driven by two main factors:
- the use of long-range ballistic missiles and attack drones;
- the use of short-range drones and guided aerial bombs (KABs) in frontline areas.
According to her, these constant attacks are gradually destroying critical infrastructure that supports the civilian population and enables communities to function.
How Ukraine Protects Frontline Territories from Drones
The front line in Ukraine is now covered by anti-drone nets, which provide additional protection for military personnel and civilians against the growing threat from the air. In addition, military personnel patrol roads and key infrastructure, shooting down enemy drones wherever technically possible.