© UNICEF Experts assess the damage after the attacks in Dnieper, Ukraine (archive). The UN Human Rights Council heard a report on Ukraine Human rights
The number of dead and wounded among the civilian population of Ukraine continues to grow. This was stated by the UN’s chief human rights activist, Volker Türk, while presenting an oral report on the situation around Ukraine to the UN Human Rights Council on Friday. Opening his speech, he recalled the massive Russian attack on Kiev.
“Today is a day of mourning in Kiev. A horrific attack by Russian forces killed at least 30 civilians and injured at least 99 others on Thursday night. “This is one of the deadliest attacks on the Ukrainian capital since the Russian Federation began its full-scale invasion and another tragic reminder of why this senseless war must end,” the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said. growing
According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), from December 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026, at least 1,270 civilians were killed in Ukraine, and another 6,850 people were injured.
“This is a 40 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The real numbers are likely much higher,” Turk noted.
He expressed concern about the increase in Russian strikes using long-range weapons and drones. As an example, the High Commissioner cited the attacks on May 13 and 14, when more than 1,500 missiles and drones were fired at eight regions of Ukraine and Kyiv. Then, according to the UN, 27 civilians were killed and at least 83 more were injured.
Casualties on Russian territory
Türk also reported civilian casualties in territories under the control of the Russian Federation.
According to him, On May 22, during a strike by Ukrainian armed forces on Starobelsk in the Lugansk region, an educational complex was hit. According to available information, 21 civilians were killed and several more people were injured.
The Russian authorities, the High Commissioner continued, reported that between December last year and May this year, 205 civilians were killed and another 1,302 people were injured in 27 regions of the Russian Federation.
“My Office was unable to independently confirm these data. “I again call on the Russian authorities to provide access for independent verification,” he said. Russian forces executed at least 20 Ukrainian soldiers who were captured.
In addition, virtually all of the 129 released Ukrainian prisoners of war interviewed by OHCHR during the reporting period reported torture or other forms of ill-treatment, including sexual violence. at transit points before transfer to official places of detention.
“The prohibition of torture is absolute. Torture of prisoners of war must immediately stop, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice,” Turk emphasized. According to him, from October 2025 to March 2026, Russian armed forces systematically attacked energy facilities, especially urban heating systems.
“The scale and nature of these attacks indicate that their goal was to disable the energy system of Ukraine as a whole, and not to hit specific military targets. Considering the entire energy infrastructure of Ukraine as a military target is incompatible with international humanitarian law,” he said. According to him, OHCHR could not fully verify the extent of the damage and the impact of these attacks on the civilian population.
Peace must be based on human rights
Concluding his speech, the High Commissioner called for increased efforts to achieve sustainable peace.
“I call for renewed efforts to negotiate a lasting peace based on human rights, the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions,” he said.
Holding those responsible for violations of international law accountable is essential, Turk said. peace.
“Protecting human rights is key to building the trust necessary to achieve sustainable peace. This war leaves deep physical and psychological wounds. Human rights must be at the core of efforts to ensure long-term peace,” the High Commissioner emphasized.