UN: June Civilian Casualties in Ukraine Highest Since War Began
According to UN data, at least 265 civilians were killed and 1,816 wounded in Ukraine in June 2026 due to Russian attacks – the deadliest month since the full-scale invasion. The total civilian death toll since February 2022 has reached at least 16,402, including 802 children.
The United Nations presented new casualty figures at a Security Council meeting on Thursday. Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, reported that June recorded at least 265 civilian deaths and 1,816 injuries, making it the most lethal month since the start of the full-scale war in February 2022.
Although May had 274 confirmed deaths, the June data is preliminary and the actual numbers could be higher. Since the invasion began, the cumulative civilian death toll stands at at least 16,402, with 802 of them children. The number of wounded exceeds 48,000.
DiCarlo also noted a worrying trend in July, where attacks on the 2nd, 6th, and 8th targeted multiple city centers, causing dozens of casualties. The UN had earlier warned that spring and summer months typically see increased casualties, but 2026 figures are significantly higher than in previous years.
In light of this, DiCarlo called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. She stressed that this is essential to achieve a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace based on the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions.
