Russia's intensified aerial attacks have caused a surge in civilian casualties, with nearly 13 million people in need of assistance. UN image
The United Nations Security Council has issued a stark warning about the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Ukraine, with 2025 being one of the deadliest years since the conflict began in February 2022. The warning comes as Russia intensifies its aerial attacks, causing a surge in civilian casualties.
According to the UN’s Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, civilian casualties between January and November 2025 have risen by 24% compared to the same period in 2024. Kayoko Gotoh, a senior official, stated that 2025 has been one of the deadliest years for Ukrainians, with the Russian Federation escalating its aerial attacks across Ukraine.
Humanitarian Crisis
The UN has verified that 14,775 Ukrainian civilians, including 755 children, have been killed, and 39,322 more, including 2,416 children, have been injured since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. However, actual figures are likely significantly higher.
The humanitarian impact is worsening sharply, with nearly 13 million people in need of assistance. Limited funding means that only a fraction of them can be reached. The UN has received only 34% of the $2.6 billion required for this year’s humanitarian response.
The situation is particularly dire in frontline regions, where living conditions have severely deteriorated. Short-range drones, aerial bombs, and other munitions have caused extensive damage to residential buildings and vital civilian infrastructure, leaving some areas uninhabitable.
Extrajudicial Executions
The UN has also documented a rise in extrajudicial executions of prisoners of war (POWs). At least four incidents involving the killing of 10 Ukrainian servicepersons after capture by Russian forces were assessed as credible.
The conflict has also had a devastating impact on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with Russia launching eight large-scale, coordinated waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy system. This has caused emergency power outages and daily electricity cuts in multiple regions.
The UN has repeatedly warned against any action that could further escalate or expand the conflict. “We continue to urge all concerned to de-escalate tensions and to prevent the risk of further expansion of the conflict,” Gotoh said.
Humanitarian Crisis Expected To Worsen
The humanitarian situation is expected to worsen as winter sets in, with temperatures dropping and power outages becoming more frequent. The UN is calling for increased funding and support to address the growing humanitarian needs.
The UN has repeatedly condemned Russia’s actions, with the United States representative Jennifer Locetta stating that the rising humanitarian cost of the war is unacceptable and will have long-lasting consequences.
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has repeatedly called for a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire. The UN is hopeful that ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the US may help bring the war closer to a negotiated end.
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The conflict has also had a significant impact on civilians, with many forced to flee their homes and seek shelter elsewhere. The UN has reported that over 3.7 million people are displaced within Ukraine, and nearly 6 million are refugees abroad.
The UN is working to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict, including food, shelter, and medical care. However, the organization is facing significant funding constraints and is in urgent need of increased support.
The situation in Ukraine remains highly volatile, with the risk of escalation and expansion of the conflict remaining high
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