UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher said July was the deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine in more than four years.
“July was the deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine in more than four years, with at least 437 people killed and more than 2,600 injured. In the first half of the year, civilian casualties increased by 37% compared with last year,” Fletcher said.
He said he visited Ukraine last week and witnessed first-hand the consequences of drone attacks on civilians in Kherson.
According to Fletcher, the number of FPV drone attacks has increased by 60% this year, frequently resulting in civilian casualties.
"At one hospital located just one kilometre from the river marking the frontline, 70% of civilian patients are being treated for blast injuries, most of them caused by FPV drone attacks," he said.
During the first half of the year, humanitarian organisations provided assistance to more than 3 million people in Ukraine. Ahead of winter, the UN has launched a $358 million winter response plan aimed at assisting 2 million people.
Fletcher also expressed concern about the escalation in the Black Sea, warning that it could have broader humanitarian consequences.
“It is vital that grain, fuel and fertiliser continue to flow without disruption. Sustained diplomacy is needed to contain the risks to communities in the region and far beyond,” the UN official said.
Fletcher called on UN Security Council members to strengthen the protection of international humanitarian law, prepare humanitarian organisations for the coming winter and engage with governments and companies developing and deploying new military technologies.
“The people I met do not need more words from us about their resilience. They need protection. They need assistance and, above all, they need this war to end,” Fletcher stressed.
