UN: 9,806 Civilians, 17,962 others, Killed, Injured in Russia-Ukraine War

Sunday Ehigiator

Amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the United Nations (UN) Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), has revealed that no fewer than 9,806 civilians have been killed, and 17,962 others injured in the war between February 24, 2022, and October 8, 2023.

The UNODA also raised alarm over the increasing flow of weapons into the conflict.

In a recent briefing to the United Nations Security Council, the Director of UNODA, Mr. Adedeji Ebo, expressed deep concerns about the supply of weapons and ammunition into armed conflict situations, “raising significant worries about the potential escalation of violence.”

Ebo emphasised the urgent need for an immediate end to the use of these indiscriminate and devastating weapons, which have long-lasting impacts on innocent civilians even after conflicts have ended.

He said: “The weapons being funneled into the conflict include heavy conventional weaponry, battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, combat aircraft, helicopters, large-caliber artillery systems, missile systems, uncrewed combat aerial vehicles, remotely operated munitions, small arms, light weapons, and their corresponding ammunition.”

He also drew attention to reports that related to the transfer of depleted-uranium tank ammunition to Ukrainian forces.

“Furthermore, there have been reports of plans to transfer uncrewed aerial vehicles and ammunition to the Russian armed forces for potential use in Ukraine, intensifying worries about the escalation of violence.”

Citing figures from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ebo noted that “approximately 9,806 civilians have been killed in the conflict, with 17,962 injured between February 24, 2022, and October 8, 2023. These figures are likely to be higher.”

He reiterated that the Ukraine conflict, which was initiated by the Russian Federation on February 24, 2022, violated international law and the UN Charter, and called for all arms transfers to strictly adhere to the applicable international legal framework, including relevant Security Council resolutions, to prevent further destabilisation in the region.

He also urged states to consider acceding to international conventions that prohibit such weapons, while also highlighting “the critical need for measures to counter the potential diversion of weapons and ammunition, which could undermine post-conflict recovery and regional stability.”