As the Russian invasion of Ukraine marks 1,000 days, new data from Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office reveals a devastating toll on civilians, with 13,585 confirmed deaths and 26,043 injured since the conflict began.

The numbers underline the extensive human suffering caused by Russia’s actions, described by Ukrainian authorities as widespread violations of international law and targeted aggression against non-combatants.

Widespread Destruction of Civilian Infrastructure

The report reveals significant destruction to Ukraine’s infrastructure, with 156,507 residential buildings damaged or destroyed, leaving thousands homeless. Educational institutions (3,691), medical facilities (890), cultural landmarks (642), and religious sites (198) have also been targeted, reflecting the indiscriminate nature of the attacks.

A Grim Pattern of Prohibited Warfare

Ukraine has documented the use of banned weapons and methods of warfare. Since February 2022, Russian forces have used mines, booby traps, and chemical weapons in multiple attacks, alongside 606 strikes on 220 power generation facilities, crippling critical infrastructure.

Children as Victims of War Crimes

Antonina Semenivna, who lives near Kupiansk, is one of the many civilians vulnerable to these attacks
.
The youngest and most vulnerable have borne the brunt of the aggression. In addition to the thousands injured or killed, Ukrainian authorities have documented 168 cases of forced deportation and displacement of children, alongside 55 cases of abduction or unlawful detention.

Ukraine’s Commitment to Justice

The Prosecutor General’s Office continues to investigate these crimes, identifying 168,299 offences linked to Russian aggression. Of these, 143,906 are categorized as war crimes, including willful killings, plundering, and indiscriminate attacks. Efforts to bring perpetrators to justice have resulted in over 130 convictions, with legal actions ongoing against hundreds more.

As the conflict continues, these figures serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of Russia’s actions, with civilians, particularly children, enduring the greatest suffering.