The latest findings from the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) paint a stark picture of the ongoing conflict’s toll as civilian casualties and infrastructure continue to be targeted by Putin’s forces.

March 2024 saw a distressing surge in civilian casualties, with at least 604 individuals killed or injured, marking a 20 per cent increase from the previous month.

The primary driver behind this tragic escalation was attributed to intensified attacks by the Russian armed forces, employing missiles and loitering munitions across various regions of Ukraine.

Furthermore, heightened aerial bombardments near the frontline exacerbated the already dire situation, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.

Of particular concern is the doubling of child casualties, with at least 57 children falling victim to the conflict in March alone.

This alarming rise can be attributed to the expanded use of both guided and unguided aerial bombs, indiscriminately endangering innocent lives.

Aside from direct combat-related incidents, the indiscriminate threat posed by mines and explosive remnants of war claimed the lives of at least 28 civilians, including seven agricultural workers.

The onset of the spring agricultural season not only heralded hope for a new harvest but also heightened the risk for farmers as they ventured into the fields.

Moreover, March 2024 witnessed large-scale coordinated attacks targeting critical infrastructure, resulting in the destruction or damage of at least 20 energy facilities across the country.

This nefarious onslaught not only disrupted access to electricity for millions of urban and rural dwellers but also undermined essential services, such as water supply, in affected areas.

It is noteworthy that the overwhelming majority of civilian casualties, damage to educational and health facilities, as well as critical infrastructure, persisted in Government-controlled territory, underscoring the persistent vulnerability faced by civilians in these regions.

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