UN official stresses rising casualty numbers in Ukraine war and growing danger of a “nuclear incident”

Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General of the UN Department of Political Affairs and Peacebuilding, said the past month has been particularly deadly for the Ukrainian civilian population, with at least 219 people killed and more than 1,000 injured.

Since February 24, 2022 – the date of Russia's large-scale invasion – the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, OHCHR, has documented 11,662 civilians killed and 24,207 injured. The actual number could be higher.

“Tragically these numbers are only growingwhile rockets, shells and drones continue to hit cities, towns and villages across Ukraine on a daily basis,” said Mr Jenča.

Fighting on Russian soil

He also expressed concern about the impact of the Spread of fighting to civilians in Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk regions in Russia.

Since the Ukrainian invasion of the Kursk region began on August 6, at least 12 people have been killed and 121 others injured, according to Russian authorities. Over 130,000 people have reportedly been evacuated from the region.

Mr Jenča reiterated the UN Secretary-General’s condemnation of attacks on civilians and infrastructure wherever they occur.

“These attacks are prohibited under international humanitarian law. They must stop immediately. We call on all sides to act responsibly and ensure the protection of civilians.”

Concerns about nuclear safety

The senior UN official also expressed concern about reported incidents around nuclear facilities in Ukraine and Russia, in particular the deteriorating nuclear security situation at the Ukrainian Zaporizhia nuclear power plant.

On August 17, the road surrounding the power plant site was hit by a drone. This incident followed a major fire in one of the cooling towers on August 11, which caused considerable damage.

Mr Jenča added that concerns about nuclear safety in Russia’s Kursk region are also growing.

On August 22, Russia reported to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that the remains of a drone had been found on the site of the Kursk nuclear power plant.

“We continue to call for maximum restraint and vigilance to avoid a nuclear incidentthe consequences could be catastrophic for the region and the world,” he said.

Humanitarian situation

Mr Jenča also highlighted the severe impact of the humanitarian crisis, particularly on women, who make up 56 percent of the 15 million people in need of assistance in Ukraine.

“In the frontline areas, especially in the east and south of Ukraine, entire villages and towns have been either partially or completely destroyed,” he said, adding that “in some areas, humanitarian operations do not have access to people in need.”

This year, the United Nations and humanitarian partners aim to reach 8.5 million people with life-saving assistance, including over the winter.

However, the response remains limited: only 41 percent of the $3.1 billion needed under the humanitarian assistance and response plan has been allocated so far.