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On July 15, 2025, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) issued an urgent appeal for a ceasefire in Ukraine after a surge in Russian missile and drone attacks killed at least 139 civilians and injured 791 in the first half of July. The strikes targeted densely populated urban areas far from the frontlines, including Chernivtsi, Lviv, and Cherkasy, and caused extensive damage to protected infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and residential buildings.
Among the most devastating incidents was the attack on Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, which left two dead and over 30 injured, many of them children. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) confirmed that loitering munitions and long-range drones were used in unprecedented numbers, raising serious concerns about indiscriminate targeting and violations of international humanitarian law.
⚖️ Violations and Prisoner Abuse
OHCHR also highlighted disturbing reports of systematic torture of prisoners of war. Since June, UN investigators have interviewed nearly 140 released Ukrainian POWs, many of whom described beatings, electric shocks, and sexual violence. Russian POWs reported ill-treatment during early captivity stages. Ukrainian authorities have launched investigations into several cases.
The strikes and treatment of detainees may breach Articles 51 and 52 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit deliberate targeting of civilians and require precautions to avoid harm to non-combatants.
📊 Civilian Casualty Trends
- June 2025: Deadliest month in three years
- 232 civilians killed, 1,343 injured
- Since February 2022:
- 13,580 civilian deaths, including 716 children
- 34,115 injuries
- Actual figures likely higher due to access restrictions
🗣️ UN High Commissioner’s Statement
Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized the urgency of halting hostilities:
“The Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine must urgently be halted and work on a lasting peace, in line with international law, must intensify—a peace that ensures accountability for gross violations of international human rights law and serious violations of international humanitarian law”.
The OHCHR reiterated its call for all parties to uphold humanitarian obligations, protect civilians, and commit to a full exchange of prisoners of war.
You can read the full report on Jurist.org.
Excerpts from article on jurist.org by Ishika Tanwar | The West Bengal National U. of Juridical Sciences, IN
