Russian air-dropped bombs cause rise in Ukraine civilian casualties: UN

3/7/2024 18:35

        Russia's use of air-dropped bombs with a larger range is a major reason civilian casualties in Ukraine increased between March and May, the U.N. human rights office (OHCHR) said on Wednesday.
        
        The munitions also caused widespread damage to civilian property and infrastructure, particularly near the frontline, OHCHR said in a report on the human rights situation in Ukraine.
        
        "Increased use of powerful air-dropped bombs with a larger range by Russian armed forces was a significant reason for the rise in civilian casualties and massive destruction of civilian infrastructure in frontline communities," according to the report, which covers the period between March and May.
        
        OHCHR found that the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region alone killed 78 civilians killed and wounded 305 others from May 10-31. Between March and May, at least 436 civilians were killed and 1,760 injured in Ukraine.