Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
December 16, 2025 Human rights
The situation for civilians in Ukraine is becoming increasingly "unbearable," warned UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk, speaking at an intersessional meeting of the Human Rights Council. He presented data recent report United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) for the period from 1 June to 30 November 2025.
"Almost four years after the Russian Federation launched its full-scale invasion, the situation for the civilian population of Ukraine has become even more unbearable," Türk said.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights noted the scale of the work accomplished: over four years, OHCHR staff carried out more than 1,150 missions to affected areas of Ukraine and conducted more than 11,100 interviews on alleged violations of international law.
Rising death toll
According to the UN, the number of civilian casualties since the beginning of this year 24 percent higher, compared to the same period last year. "This is largely due to the fact that the Russian Armed Forces have intensified the use of long-range missiles and drones in frontline and urban areas," Türk noted. "This escalation is an endless nightmare for the people of Ukraine."
The High Commissioner added that strikes are being carried out throughout the country, including in the western regions. He cited as an example attack on November 19, 2025, when approximately 500 drones and missiles were launched at Ukraine. "A cruise missile hit a residential building in Ternopil, and a drone caused a fire in another building, killing at least 38 civilians and injuring 99, with some still missing," he said, calling the strike the deadliest in western Ukraine since the war began.
"The Russian Federation reports that 146 civilians were killed and more than 1,150 were injured in the country during the reporting period, but we have not been able to confirm these figures," the UN representative added.
Strikes in frontline areas
Türk also drew attention to the situation in Ukraine's frontline regions, where more than 60 percent of casualties have been recorded this year. Nearly half of the dead were elderly.
"The use of short-range drones with first-person cameras by Russian forces causes significant harm to civilians," he stated. Approximately 300 civilians were killed in such attacks during the reporting period, including people riding bicycles, in cars, and on public transportation.
Read also:
INTERVIEW | Fourth Winter of War: Ukraine Prepares for Another Trial
In addition, according to OHCHR, in October and November, the Russian Federation carried out eight large-scale coordinated attacks that caused prolonged emergency situations. power outagesin a number of areas and planned power outages in most regions for up to 18 hours a day.
The situation of prisoners of war
The High Commissioner also emphasized the plight of prisoners of war and detained civilians. "Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Office has documented the extrajudicial executions of 96 Ukrainian prisoners of war and persons hors de combat," he reported. He added that since mid-November, there has been an increase in reports of executions of Ukrainian servicemen after capture. "We have confirmed as credible the reports of the killing of 14 Ukrainian prisoners of war after their capture by Russian forces and are investigating 10 additional cases," Türk said.
He added that the Office had also recorded "four executions of Russian prisoners of war by Ukrainian armed forces" and was investigating "credible reports of three additional incidents." The High Commissioner also emphasized that the UN continues to document "systematic and widespread torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war."
"The people of Ukraine need peace"
Concluding his speech, Volker Türk again called for an end to the war. He stated that "those responsible for all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law must be held accountable."
"I can't even begin to imagine how exhausted the people of Ukraine are," the High Commissioner said. "They need the guns to fall silent. They need a peace based on human rights—in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and General Assembly resolutions."
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.