Ukrainian Civilians Endure Intensifying Attacks and Growing Hardship Warns UN

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to an alarming rise in civilian casualties and severe hardships, as highlighted in a recent report by the UN. During the monitoring period from June to November 2023, the situation for Ukrainian civilians reportedly worsened significantly.

Surge in Civilian Casualties

The report indicates that over 1,400 civilians were killed and more than 6,500 injured, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. This escalation has been particularly notable since July, when the number of casualties reached its highest since April 2022.

• Casualties included:
• 61 medical personnel
• 99 emergency service workers
• 6 media professionals
• 13 humanitarian workers

Western Ukraine faced its deadliest assault during this period. A large-scale drone and missile strike on November 19 killed at least 36 civilians in Ternopil.

Deteriorating Frontline Conditions

Living conditions in frontline areas have severely deteriorated. Extensive damage from aerial bombs and munitions has left many residential buildings in ruins. Essential healthcare has become inaccessible as numerous hospitals have been damaged or destroyed.

Additionally, disruptions to water, heat, and electricity services have disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, including the elderly and people with disabilities.

Attacks on Energy Infrastructure

From October to November, Ukraine’s energy infrastructure faced eight significant waves of Russian missile and drone attacks. These assaults led to extensive power outages, with scheduled power cuts lasting up to 18 hours daily.

Prisoner Exchanges and Human Rights Violations

Ukraine and Russia conducted their most extensive prisoner exchange since the conflict began, freeing over 3,000 individuals. However, reports from the Human Rights Monitoring Mission indicated no improvements in the treatment of prisoners of war (POWs).

• Testimonies from released POWs revealed severe mistreatment, including:
• Beatings
• Electric shocks
• Suffocation
• Sexual violence

Extrajudicial executions of POWs have also been documented. At least four incidents involving the killings of 10 Ukrainian service members were assessed as credible, alongside evidence of similar actions by Ukrainian forces against Russian POWs.

Conditions Under Occupation

In areas under Russian control, violations of international humanitarian law are escalating. Authorities have imposed restrictions on freedom of movement and expression, with reports of arbitrary arrests for dissent against the military operation.

Furthermore, a decree issued by Russian authorities in March required Ukrainian citizens in these areas to obtain Russian documents by September 10 or risk deportation.

Humanitarian Efforts Amid Adversity

Despite the challenges, Ukrainian authorities and humanitarian organizations are working tirelessly to support civilians. Their efforts include large-scale evacuations, establishing transit centers, and providing medical and legal assistance.

These actions are taking place amid increasingly dangerous conditions, reflecting a commitment to assist those affected by the ongoing conflict.