The number of civilian casualties sharply increased in Ukraine over the past month. This was caused by the Russian advance in the Kharkiv region and shelling of this region, according to the UN page.
"At least 174 civilians were killed and 690 injured in Ukraine in May, the highest monthly number of civilian casualties the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) has documented since June 2023," writes the UN.
The increase in civilian casualties occurred mainly due to shelling in the Kharkiv region since May 10, associated with the Russian ground offensive in the region.
65% of the total damage to educational and medical facilities also occurred in the Kharkiv region, with particularly extensive destruction occurring in Vovchansk.
Battles in the northern Kharkiv region
In May, Russian forces attempted to advance in the northern part of the Kharkiv region, pushing into several settlements and partially capturing Vovchansk. However, Ukrainian forces managed to halt the advance of the Russian army.
Recently, the Institute for the Study of War reported that Russian forces continue their offensive in the Kharkiv region, but Ukrainian Armed Forces have been able to retake some lost positions in the region.
