2025: A Deadly Year for Civilians in Ukraine

The year 2025 has been marked as the deadliest for civilians in Ukraine since the onset of the conflict in 2022, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU). A staggering 2,395 civilians were killed and 11,751 injured, with 97 percent of these casualties occurring in government-controlled territories due to attacks by Russian armed forces. Notably, 63 percent of all casualties took place in frontline areas, where older individuals, who make up a significant portion of the population, were particularly affected.

The conflict has seen a significant escalation in the use of short-range drones, which have rendered many frontline areas uninhabitable. For instance, on December 25, a drone strike in Kostiantynivka killed a humanitarian worker and injured two others. Additionally, the use of long-range weapons, including missiles and loitering munitions, has surged since June 2025, resulting in 682 civilian deaths and 4,443 injuries—representing a 65 percent increase compared to 2024.

In October 2025, Russian forces resumed large-scale attacks on energy infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages across Ukraine. These strikes have particularly impacted urban centers, with cities like Odesa experiencing prolonged outages that disrupted essential services such as electricity, water, and heating. The situation worsened in January 2026 as attacks continued, coinciding with dropping temperatures, further endangering vulnerable populations.

On January 13, 2026, a series of coordinated missile and drone strikes targeted multiple regions, including Kyiv and Kharkiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that nearly 300 drones and numerous missiles were launched, primarily aimed at energy facilities. The attacks resulted in significant infrastructure damage and left large areas without electricity and heating, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis during the harsh winter months.

Russia Strikes Ukraine Nationwide as Freezing Temperatures Grip Cities, Four Killed

Critics of the ongoing military strategies have raised concerns about the humanitarian implications of such attacks, particularly the targeting of civilian infrastructure. The UN has emphasized the need for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law to protect civilians in conflict zones.

• “The expanded use of short-range drones has rendered many areas near the frontline effectively uninhabitable,” — Matilda Bell, UN Human Rights Monitor

• “Internal resilience is now crucial. Each strike against life reminds the world that support for Ukraine cannot stop. The cold will not help Russia win. Air defense systems are needed every day, especially in winter.” — President Volodymyr Zelensky

Russia Strikes Ukraine Nationwide as Freezing Temperatures Grip Cities, Four Killed

The situation in Ukraine remains dire as 2025 has seen unprecedented civilian casualties and humanitarian challenges. The ongoing conflict, marked by increased military aggression and targeted attacks on essential infrastructure, underscores the urgent need for international attention and support to mitigate the suffering of affected populations.