Ukraine's monthly civilian casualties highest since 2022

Skip next section What you need to know

What you need to know

• The UN said at least 437 civilians were killed and 2,610 injured in July
• The figure is the highest monthly casualty toll in Ukraine since March 2022
• Ukrainian officials said a Russian drone destroyed the train's engine
• The driver and his assistant were killed, while none of the 340 passengers were seriously hurt

Here is a roundup of the key developments in Russia's war in Ukraine on Thursday, August 13, 2026:

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Skip next section Ukraine civilian casualties hit highest level since 2022

August 13, 2026

Ukraine civilian casualties hit highest level since 2022

Civilian casualties in Ukraine have climbed to their highest monthly level since the early weeks of Russia's full-scale invasion, according to the United Nations.

The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine said it verified at least 437 civilians killed and 2,610 injured in July, a 30% rise from June and 70% more than in July 2025.

July recorded the highest overall number of civilian casualties since March 2022, while the number of people killed was the highest since May 2022.

The UN said the true toll was likely higher, with some reports still being verified.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, the UN has verified at least 16,874 civilian deaths and 51,273 injuries in Ukraine.

Long-range missiles and drones remained the biggest cause of civilian casualties in July, accounting for 38% of the total. Short-range drones operating close to the frontline accounted for another 27% of casualties.

“Civilians are facing intensified risks from the increased use of missiles and drones in urban centers, glide bombs in cities closer to the frontline, and short-range drones," said head of the mission Danielle Bell.

Russia launched at least 429 missiles during the month, more than twice the number fired in June, according to the UN.

The deadliest attack came on July 2, when Russian forces launched 74 missiles and almost 500 long-range drones, mostly against Kyiv. At least 30 civilians were killed and 104 injured.

Russia is targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine

https://p.dw.com/p/5IklP

Skip next section Russian drone strike on Ukraine train kills two

August 13, 2026

Russian drone strike on Ukraine train kills two

A Russian drone strike has hit a passenger train carrying hundreds of people in Ukraine's southern Odesa region, killing two railway workers, Ukrainian officials said.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 340 people were on board when a drone struck and destroyed the locomotive.

Zelenskyy said the locomotive driver and his assistant were killed in the attack.

None of the passengers was injured, according to the head of Ukraine's state railway operator.

Footage released by emergency services showed flames engulfing the damaged front of the train.

Zelenskyy accused the drone operator of knowingly targeting a civilian train, saying it would have been impossible not to recognize the nature of the target.

Russian forces have repeatedly struck Ukraine's railway network during the war, hitting trains, stations and other infrastructure.

Kyiv says the attacks are intended both to disrupt transport and logistics and to target civilian life.

Zelenskyy said Russian forces had also launched more than 130 attack drones overnight, with strikes reported across 11 regions.

He again called for additional air defenses and stronger international pressure on Moscow.

https://p.dw.com/p/5IknM

Skip next section Welcome to our coverage

Published August 13, 2026last updated August 13, 2026

Welcome to our coverage

The United Nations says civilian casualties in July reached their highest monthly level since the early weeks of the full-scale invasion.

A Russian drone strike has hit a passenger train in Ukraine's southern Odesa region, killing two railway workers but leaving hundreds of passengers unhurt.

The attack came during another heavy night of Russian drone strikes across Ukraine, with Zelenskyy again urging allies to provide more air defenses.

Stay with us for the latest on these stories and other developments in Russia's war in Ukraine.