More than 10,000 civilians killed in Ukraine since Russia invasion, UN says: Analysis

More than 10,000 civilians have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, according to the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission. The official figure is expected to be significantly higher as the corroboration work continues. Out of the total deaths, around 50% have occurred in the past three months, even beyond the front lines.

The UN mission, which has monitors deployed across the country, reported that over 560 children have been killed and more than 18,500 people have been injured since the conflict began. The recent deaths occurring far from the front lines are attributed to the use of long-range missiles by Russian forces and the explosion of abandoned ordnance. This situation has made no place in Ukraine completely safe, warned Danielle Bell, the head of the monitoring mission.

It is important to note that the death toll also includes events from the initial months after the invasion, such as the battle for control of the port city of Mariupol, which witnessed significant civilian casualties. Russia denies intentionally targeting civilians.

Bell emphasized that reaching a death toll of 10,000 civilians is a tragic milestone for Ukraine. The ongoing war, now entering its 21st month, has the potential to become a protracted conflict with severe human costs that are difficult to comprehend, she added.

Explosive weapons with wide-area impact, such as shells, missiles, and cluster munitions, have been the primary cause of the majority of deaths, the UN stated.

In a show of solidarity, representatives from several of Ukraine’s allies visited the capital, Kyiv. The visit coincided with the commemoration of 10 years since mass protests led to the overthrow of a Russia-backed president and set Ukraine on a pro-Western trajectory.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius pledged an additional 1.3 billion euros ($1.4bn) in military aid to Ukraine, expressing admiration for the country’s courageous fight. Likewise, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made a surprise visit to Kyiv and announced a new military aid package worth $100 million, including anti-tank weapons, air-defense interceptors, and a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).

In terms of the article’s credibility, the information is sourced from the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission. As an organization dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights worldwide, the UN is generally considered a reliable source. However, it is crucial to cross-reference information from other sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

The presentation of facts in the article appears to be straightforward, providing the reader with the key figures related to civilian casualties in Ukraine. The sources are cited, allowing readers to verify and explore further if desired.

There is a potential bias in the article as it primarily focuses on the civilian deaths caused by Russia’s invasion. While it is essential to highlight the devastating impact on civilians, a more nuanced understanding of the conflict, including factors contributing to the ongoing situation, could provide a more comprehensive perspective.

The prevailing political landscape and the prevalence of fake news can influence the public’s perception of the information. In this case, individuals with biased perspectives or those seeking to discredit certain narratives may disregard or downplay the reported civilian casualties in an attempt to shape public opinion.

Overall, the article provides valuable information on the civilian death toll in Ukraine. However, readers should seek additional sources and perspectives to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the conflict’s complexities.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/21/more-than-10000-civilians-killed-in-ukraine-since-russia-invasion-un-says