Ukraine’s September civilian casualties rise 85 per cent
United Nations monitors verified at least 328 civilian deaths and 2105 injuries in Ukraine during September, an 85 per cent increase in combined casualties from a year earlier. Long-range missiles and drones accounted for more than half the toll. The assessment covers attacks across 22 regions and Kyiv, where civilians were killed or injured on most days of the month.
Geopolitics··Midday
September brings a higher civilian toll
The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine verified at least 328 civilian deaths and 2105 injuries during September. Combined deaths and injuries were 85 per cent higher than in September 2025. The mission released its monthly civilian-protection assessment on 16 October, documenting the impact of the war across Ukraine.[1], [2]
For January–September, the verified totals reached 2570 civilian deaths and 15211 injuries. Combined casualties were 59 per cent above the equivalent period of 2025 and more than twice the level recorded in 2024.[1]
More than half the casualties linked to long-range attacks
Long-range missiles and drones accounted for 53 per cent of September’s verified civilian casualties, including 165 deaths and 1119 injuries. Short-range drones accounted for 87 deaths and 475 injuries, or 23 per cent of the monthly total. The mission documented casualties in 22 regions and Kyiv.[1]
Kyiv records casualties on most days of the month
In Kyiv, civilians were killed or injured on 22 of September’s 30 days. The city’s verified toll was 32 deaths and 340 injuries. A large-scale attack on 30 September also affected energy infrastructure in three regions and Kyiv. Restricted access prevented verification of many higher casualty figures reported by Russian authorities for occupied territory and locations inside Russia; the mission’s totals remain minimum verified counts.[1]
