Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict — March 2026

Summary

• In March 2026, at least 211 civilians were killed and 1,206 injured, representing a 49 per cent increase compared with February 2026 (191 killed; 759 injured) and a 29 per cent increase compared with March 2025 (178 killed; 922 injured). The number of civilian casualties in March is the highest since July 2025[1].
   
• Attacks with long-range weapons (missiles and drones) remained the primary cause of civilian casualties, accounting for 36 per cent of the total (61 killed; 448 injured), with most casualties occurring in cities and towns far from the frontline.
   
• Short-range drones were the second leading cause of civilian casualties (66 killed; 369 injured) and accounted for the highest number of civilians killed in March in Ukraine, while remaining the primary cause of civilian casualties near the frontline.
   
• Daily attacks near the frontline involving short-range drones, as well as artillery systems and aerial bombs, accounted for 63 per cent of civilian casualties in March, with older persons disproportionately affected, representing 50 per cent of those killed and 40 per cent of those injured [2].
   
• The vast majority of civilian casualties (97 per cent[3]) occurred in areas under the control of the Government of Ukraine. Civilians were killed or injured across 19 regions of Ukraine and the city of Kyiv.
   
• In the first quarter of 2026, civilian casualties (556 killed; 2,731 injured) were 20 per cent higher than in the first quarter of 2025 (456 killed; 2,284 injured) and remained at similarly high levels to the last quarter of 2025 (588 killed; 2,930 injured).
   
• Attacks by Russian armed forces on Ukraine’s energy, railway and port infrastructure continued to severely disrupt daily life and put civilians at risk. In March, intensified strikes on railway infrastructure affected at least 14 regions. These attacks pose a serious threat to civilians, who rely on rail transport for evacuation from areas of active hostilities and for the delivery of essential supplies.

[1] 312 killed and 1,482 injured.

[2] Based on records of civilians whose age was known.

[3] 1,370 civilian casualties in territory controlled by Ukraine and 47 in territory occupied by the Russian

Federation.