Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict — October 2024

Summary

• At least 183 civilians were killed and 903 injured in Ukraine in October. Forty-five per cent of those killed were older than 60 years. Among the casualties, nine children were killed and 49 injured.

• Russian armed forces intensified their long-range drone (loitering munitions) attacks across the country, with over 1900 strikes reported throughout the month. The strikes or falling debris from the munitions’ interception killed 6 civilians and injured 21, and damaged civilian property and infrastructure. Beyond the loss of life and injuries, the near-daily frequency of these attacks, paired with constant air raid sirens, significantly disrupted civilian life.

• 80 per cent of casualties in October occurred near the frontline, particularly from aerial bombardments, artillery shelling, MLRS strikes and short-range drone attacks, with the highest numbers in Kherson, Kharkiv and Donetsk regions.

• The vast majority of civilian casualties (94 per cent) and damage to educational and health facilities (96 per cent) in October occurred in territory controlled by Ukraine.

• At least six attacks struck vessels and seaport infrastructure in territory controlled by Ukraine (Odesa region) in October. One attack struck a port in territory occupied by the Russian Federation (Zaporizhzhia region).