In October 2024, the situation with the protection of civilians in Ukraine remained critical amid ongoing Russian attacks. Reports indicate significant civilian casualties and the destruction of residential and critical infrastructure. The key figures and incidents in this update demonstrate the scale of the tragedy unfolding across the country.
Civilian casualties
At least 183 civilians were killed and 903 injured in October. Among the victims were 9 children, and 45 per cent of all those killed were over the age of 60. These figures highlight the vulnerability of the civilian population, especially the elderly, in the face of armed conflict.
80 per cent of civilian deaths and injuries were recorded near the frontline as a result of aerial bombardment, artillery shelling, multiple launch rocket systems and drone strikes. Residents of Kherson, Kharkiv and Donetsk regions were most affected.
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Drone attacks
In October, more than 1,900 attacks using long-range drones were recorded. As a result of these attacks, 6 civilians were killed and 21 injured. The falling debris from intercepted drones caused significant damage to civilian property and infrastructure, worsening living conditions.
The incident in Kherson region was particularly serious, with 17 people killed and 127 injured as a result of drone attacks. In Kharkiv, almost daily aerial bombardments killed 8 civilians and injured 88 people.
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Damage to infrastructure
In October, educational and medical facilities suffered from the attacks. 94 per cent of casualties and 96 per cent of damage to these facilities were recorded in government-controlled territory. There were also six attacks on ships and seaport infrastructure in Odesa region, resulting in 15 deaths and 37 injuries.
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