In October 2023, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported a surge in attacks on energy infrastructure, resulting in a high number of civilian casualties. According to a press release from the mission published on November 12, three major strikes on October 10, 22, and 30 targeted energy facilities, leading to widespread emergency power outages across many regions.
The situation in November did not improve - new strikes on Ukraine's energy grid once again caused power supply disruptions throughout the country.
“As civilians in Ukraine prepare for another winter, the rise in attacks on energy infrastructure and the resulting power outages heighten risks for the population,” stated the head of the mission, Danièle Belle.
She added that “prolonged disruptions in heating, electricity, or water supply create extremely harsh conditions, particularly for the elderly, persons with disabilities, families with small children, and women who often bear the primary responsibility for family care.”
In October, at least 148 civilians were killed and another 929 injured, indicating a continued high level of casualties similar to the previous two months.
Two-thirds of all civilian casualties in October were recorded in areas near the front line, while the remainder occurred in more distant parts of Ukraine, including Kyiv, due to long-range missile and drone attacks.
The number of civilian casualties from January to October 2025 exceeds the figures for the same period last year by 27%, and the total number of deaths and injuries in the first ten months of 2025 has already surpassed the totals for all of 2024.