Executive Summary
In 2025, Ukraine experienced 613 incidents of violence against healthcare, primarily attributed to Russian forces, resulting in 87 health worker deaths and 140 injuries. Attacks on health facilities and emergency medical services increased, often involving drones and 'double-tap' strikes. This violence severely impacted Ukraine's healthcare infrastructure, workforce, and public health outcomes.
Why It Matters
This document provides critical data on the deliberate targeting of healthcare infrastructure and personnel in Ukraine, highlighting a significant aspect of modern warfare and its humanitarian consequences for defense and geopolitical analysts.
Key Takeaways
- Russian forces were responsible for over 95% of attacks on healthcare in Ukraine in 2025, frequently using explosives-armed drones and 'double-tap' strikes.
- The violence led to 87 health worker deaths and 140 injuries, with military medics and emergency responders being frequent casualties.
- Attacks severely damaged health facilities, disrupted essential services, and contributed to a 16.98% decline in Ukraine's healthcare workforce by 2025.
Strategic Relevance
The systematic targeting of healthcare infrastructure and personnel by Russian forces in Ukraine represents a deliberate strategy to undermine civilian morale, destabilize society, and exert pressure on the Ukrainian government, impacting long-term recovery and international humanitarian law.