In August 2024, Ukraine experienced significant civilian casualties. According to the latest report from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, at least 184 civilians were killed and 856 were injured during this month. This makes August the second deadliest month for civilians in 2024, following July.
Instances of High Casualty Events
August was marked by numerous high-casualty incidents, particularly in the cities of Kostiantynivka (Donetsk Oblast) and Kharkiv. Daily shelling near the front line, especially in Donetsk Oblast, contributed to significant civilian losses.
Large-Scale Attacks on Energy Infrastructure
On August 26, Russian armed forces conducted a large-scale coordinated attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. These attacks caused severe damage to the energy infrastructure in 15 regions of Ukraine and resulted in civilian casualties in 10 regions and the capital, Kyiv. This was the ninth wave of attacks on energy infrastructure since the beginning of spring 2024. In August, 37 attacks were recorded in government-controlled areas and five in occupied territories.
Damage to Infrastructure
It is noteworthy that most of the civilian casualties (91%) and damage to educational and medical facilities (95%) in August occurred in government-controlled areas of Ukraine.
The situation remains extremely challenging, and the continuation of hostilities is having a severe impact on the lives of civilians and the country’s infrastructure.
