Kathmandu— A new report from the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission indicates that civilian deaths in Ukraine reached their highest point in over a year during July, as hostilities intensified across the country. At least 437 civilians were killed and 2,610 injured last month, representing a substantial increase compared to June and July of the previous year. The UN warns that this figure is likely a significant underestimate due to limited access to areas under Russian control, including heavily impacted cities like Mariupol. Recent attacks have targeted both civilian infrastructure and transportation networks, while Ukraine has also stepped up strikes within Russia.

Escalating Civilian Casualties

The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission reported a 30 percent increase in civilian deaths compared to June and a 70 percent rise from July 2022. The figures reveal the devastating impact of ongoing fighting on non-combatants, with at least 16,874 civilians verified killed since Russia’s full-scale invasion began. Kyiv was particularly hard hit during July, suffering at least 54 civilian deaths.

Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure

Recent incidents highlight the targeting of civilian infrastructure by both sides of the conflict. A Russian drone strike on a passenger train in Ukraine's Odesa region killed two crew members, prompting President Zelenskyy to accuse Russia of deliberately attacking civilians. He stated via X (formerly Twitter), “Whoever was operating that drone certainly could not have been unaware that the target was entirely civilian.” Simultaneously, Ukrainian forces struck an oil refinery and petrochemical complex in Russia’s Bashkortostan republic, claiming it supplies the Russian military.

Russian Claims of Civilian Casualties

While the UN focuses on verifying casualties within Ukraine, Russian authorities have also reported an increase in civilian deaths within their own territory. In July, they reported 79 civilian deaths, and a Russian military official was reportedly killed in an explosion in annexed Crimea according to the country’s Federal Security Service (FSB).

Ukraine continues to appeal for increased air defense support from its allies to counter intensifying attacks by Russia, while also maintaining its strategy of striking key targets within Russia. The situation remains highly volatile with no immediate prospects for de-escalation.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.