The UN says 2025 has been deadlier for civilians in Ukraine than last year, with casualties increasing by 30% so far.
One third of all recorded civilian deaths and injuries were caused by drone strikes.
“This is increasingly a technological war, a drone war,” said Matthias Schmale, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine.
“Apart from the terror of war, sirens, attacks, it is also a growing fight for survival,” he said, “with limited access to basic commodities.”
He said that as the cold increases, Russia’s almost daily air strikes on Ukrainian energy sites are also worrying.
“Destroying energy production and distribution capacity as winter begins clearly impacts civilian populations and is a form of terror,” he said.
The UN’s winter aid plan, which aims to provide heating and cash aid to 1.7 million people, is only half funded.
“My appeal to the international community is that amidst all the other crises, do not forget Ukraine, the war is not over and we need predictable funding,” Schmale said.