As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate dramatically, civilians are paying a heavy price amid increased attacks and violence, warns the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). Over 3,200 civilian casualties were recorded in Ukraine between June and August this year – a 33.7 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. This marks the highest three-month casualty total since 2022.
After two and a half years of escalated conflict, Ukraine once again suffers from increased attacks on civilians and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, including energy plants, homes, schools, and hospitals.
“The increase in devastating attacks this summer has been a stark reminder of the pain and suffering that are inflicted by this war. Communities across Ukraine have struggled to find protection from the relentless onslaught of missiles and drones that have been launched,” said Roberto Vila-Sexto, Ukraine country director for NRC.
The latest wave of attacks has also severely compromised Ukraine’s energy capacity, which has more than halved since the start of the conflict. Reduced access to energy threatens to deepen humanitarian needs as winter approaches, placing additional pressure on those who are displaced or whose homes have been damaged over the past two and a half years.
“Ukrainians are now forced to seek safety not only from the attacks but also from the harsh winter ahead. The massive destruction of energy infrastructure heavily impacts the most vulnerable, who have often been displaced multiple times over the last two years, with limited access to help and services,” added Vila-Sexto.
The situation is particularly dire for the elderly and those with disabilities.
“I can’t remember the last time I woke up from my alarm clock. The last few months I have been woken up by the sound of air strike alarms and explosions after missile or drone attacks. You can’t sleep normally. When you go to sleep at night, you are always ready to run to the bomb shelter and it is exhausting,” said Valentyna, 63, from Kyiv.
Displaced persons seeking safety from the attacks are often left with heavily damaged or destroyed homes, the fields they used to work contaminated by landmines and explosives, and few prospects of a return to normalcy.
In addition to the rise in civilian casualties within Ukraine, at least 91 civilians have been killed and 455 injured in the Russian Federation as a result of missile and drone strikes since February 2022.
“This summer has been a clear warning of what the impact will be on civilian populations if this war continues to escalate. Parties to the conflict must adhere to International Humanitarian Law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. The international community must do everything within its power to continue to provide support for the humanitarian aid efforts, especially to those civilians living along the frontline,” said Vila-Sexto.
