New York, March 24, 2026 – The Europe Today: The United Nations has raised alarm over a sharp increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine, warning that violence has intensified rather than eased more than four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Addressing a UN Security Council session, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo said the conflict continues to inflict devastating human and material losses, nearly 1,500 days since the war began.
“It is over four years since the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine — nearly 1,500 days of death, destruction and despair. And today, far from abating, the violence is worse than ever,” she stated.
DiCarlo reported that in February alone, at least 188 civilians were killed and 757 injured, marking a 45 percent increase compared to the same period last year. She noted that attacks have continued into the current month, further worsening the humanitarian situation.
Highlighting the severe damage to Ukraine’s infrastructure, she warned that winter attacks on the country’s energy grid have pushed it “to the brink of total collapse.” According to Ukrainian authorities, around 60 percent of gas production capacity has been destroyed, while all major power stations have sustained damage, resulting in ongoing disruptions to electricity, heating, and water supplies.
She also underscored the widespread contamination of landmines, describing Ukraine as one of the most heavily mine-affected countries globally. As of the end of 2025, approximately 132,076 square kilometers of land remain potentially contaminated by explosive hazards.
While welcoming recent prisoner exchanges, DiCarlo noted that 657 Ukrainian and 657 Russian prisoners of war were returned to their families in February and March. However, she cautioned that the prolonged conflict continues to increase risks to regional and international security.
“A full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire is imperative,” she stressed.
Echoing these concerns, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher warned that civilian casualties now far exceed last year’s levels, with civilians facing ongoing waves of drone and missile strikes that continue to destroy homes, schools, and hospitals.
Fletcher called on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and critical infrastructure. He also urged for safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need, including across front lines.
On funding requirements, Fletcher highlighted that the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan requires $2 billion to assist 3.6 million vulnerable people with food, heating, medical care, and protection, warning that nearly three-quarters of the required funding remains unmet.
