**Russia’s Brutal Attack on Ukraine: 209 Civilians Killed, 1,146 Injured in April**
A devastating report from the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) has revealed that Russia killed 209 and injured 1,146 civilians during April. This marks the deadliest month and the one with the highest number of injured since September 2024. The HRMMU’s Head, Danielle Bell, attributes the sharp rise in civilian casualties to the intensified use of ballistic missiles in major cities across Ukraine.
This alarming trend comes at a time when the Trump administration is trying to bring Kyiv and Moscow to the negotiating table. However, despite efforts to broker a peace deal, progress has been limited. The pressure on Kyiv to make concessions to Russia without applying equal pressure on Moscow to halt its aggression raises serious concerns about the fairness of these negotiations.
**A Broader Trend of Increased Harm to Civilians**
The high number of civilian casualties in April reflects a broader trend of increased harm to civilians in 2025 compared to 2024. Between January and April 2025, a staggering 664 civilians were killed, and 3,425 injured – a 59% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This alarming rise in civilian casualties is a clear indication that the conflict in Ukraine continues to spiral out of control.
**Most Affected Areas**
In April, 97% of civilian casualties were recorded in Ukraine-controlled territory. Almost half of all cases were caused by Russian missile attacks or shelling. The cities of Kryvyi Rih, Sumy, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, and Kharkiv suffered the most damage over the past month.
**Loitering Munitions and Short-Range Drones**
Attacks using short-range drones near the contact line accounted for 23% of civilian casualties during the month. Meanwhile, in early May, the trend of targeting large Ukrainian cities with loitering munitions also continued, according to the report.
“This progressive rise in the number of civilian casualties every month this year is closely tied to the use of long-range missiles and drones on urban areas,” Bell said. “This has been compounded by continued drone attacks in frontline areas, driving a steady and alarming rise in civilian casualties, including children.”
**A Grim Reality**
The report highlights the grim reality faced by civilians in Ukraine. The continued use of ballistic missiles and loitering munitions by Russian forces is having a devastating impact on civilians, particularly in urban areas.
“This is a clear indication that Russia’s military strategy continues to prioritize destruction over diplomacy,” said Kateryna Hodunova, News Editor at the Kyiv Independent. “The international community must take note of these findings and apply pressure on Russia to halt its aggression and respect human rights.”
