Executive Summary
Civilian casualties in Ukraine reached a new high for September in 2026, with 328 killed and 2,105 injured, an 85% increase from September 2025. Long-range weapons and short-range drones were the primary causes of these casualties. Russian forces also resumed large-scale attacks on Ukrainian electricity infrastructure.
Why It Matters
This document provides critical, verified data on civilian casualties and the evolving nature of attacks in the Ukraine conflict, offering insights into the human cost and strategic targeting of infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- Civilian casualties in Ukraine reached a new September high in 2026, with 328 killed and 2,105 injured, marking an 85% increase from the previous year.
Source evidence · PDF page 2
At least 328 civilians were killed and 2,105 injured in September 2026, the highest for September since the start of the full-scale invasion, and 85 per cent higher than in September 2025 (249 killed; 1,068 injured).
- Russian armed forces resumed large-scale, coordinated attacks on Ukraine's electricity and heating infrastructure, causing significant damage and power outages.
Source evidence · PDF page 2
Russian armed forces resumed large-scale coordinated attacks on electricity and heating infrastructure across Ukraine. On 30 September, attacks damaged electricity generation, distribution and transmission facilities in three regions and Kyiv city, causing emergency power outages.
- Long-range weapons (missiles and drones) and short-range drones were the leading causes of civilian casualties, accounting for 53% and 23% respectively.
Source evidence · PDF page 2
Long-range weapons (missiles and drones) remained the leading cause of civilian casualties, accounting for 53 per cent of the total (165 killed; 1,119 injured). Short-range drones were the second leading cause (87 killed; 475 injured), accounting for 23 per cent of all civilian casualties in September.
Strategic Relevance
The report highlights the escalating human cost of the conflict and the continued targeting of critical civilian infrastructure, indicating a persistent strategy to undermine Ukrainian resilience and potentially influence winter operations.