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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Dan Sabbagh Defence and security editor

Ukrainian civilian casualties surged by 26% in 2025, say researchers

Aftermath of Russian air strike on residential area in Kramatorsk.
An average of 4.8 Ukrainian civilians were reported killed or injured in each Russian strike last year, the research found. Photograph: Tommaso Fumagalli/EPA

Civilian casualties in Ukraine caused by bombing soared by 26% during 2025, reflecting increased Russian targeting of cities and infrastructure in the country, according a global conflict monitoring group.

Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) said 2,248 civilians were reported killed and 12,493 injured by explosive violence in Ukraine according to English-language reports – with the number of casualties an incident rising significantly.

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