UN: the largest number of victims of Russian strikes in a year was in May

Intensified attacks by the Russian military on the territory of Ukraine this spring have resulted in significant civilian casualties and substantial damage to civilian infrastructure. In May, the death toll amounted to at least 436 people, making it the highest in a year.

This is reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing data from the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission (HRMMU).

The publication indicates that a new report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), prepared by the HRMMU, highlights:

• the human rights impact of the new large-scale attacks by the Russian Armed Forces on critical energy infrastructure that began in March,

• the impact of the Russian invaders' offensive in the Kharkiv region in May,

• and "other events both in the occupied territory and in the government-controlled territories of Ukraine."

"With May recording the highest number of civilian casualties in almost a year, the fighting this spring has taken a terrible toll on civilians, particularly in Kharkiv and Kharkiv region," said HRMMU Chief Monitor Danielle Belle.

She added that the ongoing attacks "have resulted in tragic loss of life, displacement and destruction of homes and businesses".

The report also states that the UN identified the following as the main causes of significant damage to civilians:

• the use of powerful aerial bombs and missiles by Russian forces in populated areas,

• and at least 5 incidents of Russian consecutive attacks on the same location within a short period of time ("double attacks"), resulting in numerous casualties among rescuers.

"During the reporting period, the Russian Armed Forces launched their largest campaign of attacks on critical energy infrastructure since the winter of 2022-2023, killing and injuring civilians and affecting millions of people across the country," the report says.

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 04/07/2024