UN: May becomes deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine since 2022

Mohammed Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, has said that the number of civilians killed and injured in Ukraine in May 2026 reached its highest level since April 2022 due to Russian aerial attacks.

Source: Khiari at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, as reported by Ukrinform

Details: Citing data from the UN Human Rights Office, Khiari said that at least 274 civilians had been killed in Ukraine in May, while another 1,763 had been injured.

"This is the highest monthly combined figure of killed and injured since April 2022," the official said.

Overall, since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UN has confirmed the deaths of 16,126 civilians, including 796 children. A further 46,590 civilians have been injured, among them 2,835 children. According to Khiari, the real figures are likely significantly higher.

He called for immediate de-escalation and the resumption of diplomatic efforts to achieve an unconditional ceasefire and a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter.

Background:

• The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on 22 June at Ukraine's request. The meeting was prompted by a large-scale Russian strike on the night of 14-15 June.
• The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra was damaged during that attack. A Russian drone hit the Dormition Cathedral, causing a fire that destroyed more than 80% of the roof. In total, 19 cultural heritage sites on the monastery grounds were damaged.

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