UN says Russian strikes killed more than 100 civilians in Ukraine in one week

The United Nations condemned a sharp escalation in attacks on civilians in Ukraine, reporting that more than 100 people were killed and at least 429 injured over the past week. Russian strikes hit residential areas, passenger buses and critical infrastructure, according to remarks delivered to the UN Security Council on Friday.

Khaled Khiari, the UN assistant secretary-general for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, said attacks by Russia had reached “a new horrifying level” since the council’s briefing on Sept. 23. “We strongly condemn all attacks against civilians,” he said.

Khiari said the pattern of escalating attacks had contributed to a “significant increase” in civilian casualties this year, with every month recording more casualties than the corresponding month in each of the previous three years. Repeated attacks on Ukrainian cities and essential infrastructure were disrupting life for millions, he added.

He also voiced concern about reported attacks on telecommunications networks, retail businesses, food suppliers and logistics companies. “All attacks on energy infrastructure and on population centers must cease immediately,” Khiari said, urging protection for vulnerable civilians before winter.

Khiari expressed concern about civilian deaths and injuries caused by intensified Ukrainian attacks inside Russia. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights recorded reports of 3,890 civilian casualties in Russia between January and September, including 496 deaths and 3,394 injuries, he said.

He warned that the war’s effects were increasingly extending beyond Ukraine and Russia, threatening regional security and international trade. Attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea had multiplied and expanded geographically, he said, welcoming diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and secure safe civilian navigation.

Khiari said attacks on ports, transport networks, grain facilities and other agricultural infrastructure were contributing to rising global food prices. He called on Russia and Ukraine to halt attacks on civilians and renew diplomatic efforts to end the war, saying the current cycle must stop before casualties reach “new, devastating levels.”

“It is time to end this war,” he said.