KYIV, Ukraine, September 21, 2026 — Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) warns that civilians across Ukraine are facing an expanding and increasingly interconnected set of threats, as casualties rise, displacement continues, and attacks damage infrastructure essential to civilian life. . Underscoring the deteriorating situation, UN data shows that in the first eight months of 2026 alone, civilian casualties have already surpassed the total recorded for the entire year of 2025.
Joanne La Terriere CIVIC’s Country Director in Ukraine shared the following statement:
The frontline no longer defines the boundaries of danger. Long-range missiles and drones are killing and injuring civilians in urban centres across the country, while short-range drones are making movement, evacuation, and humanitarian access increasingly dangerous for frontline communities.
At the same time, attacks affecting energy, transport, food distribution, and other essential services are extending the harm far beyond the immediate point of impact, disrupting the systems civilians rely on every day.
These compounding risks demand urgent action to prevent. Authorities and other relevant actors must ensure that civilians, particularly those at heightened risk, have access to functioning shelters, safe evacuation support, timely warnings, and essential services.
As winter approaches, these threats will increasingly reinforce one another. A strike on energy or transport infrastructure does not end when the attack is over: it can leave thousands of people without heat, water, medical care, mobility or access to basic goods. Protecting the systems civilians depend on must therefore be part of protecting civilians themselves.
CIVIC in Ukraine
CIVIC has been present in Ukraine since 2017, conducting research and on-the-ground activities to support the Ukrainian government and the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in developing and implementing tools, training, and policies on the protection of civilians. CIVIC also supports local communities in areas at risk of escalation and in newly liberated areas by strengthening preparedness and resilience to protection threats, building effective coordination systems among the military, local authorities, and communities, and amplifying civilians’ voices through research and advocacy.
For additional information or media inquiries, please contact:
CIVIC’s Global Media Team: [email protected]
CIVIC Ukraine Communications Officer: Liudmyla Gitsevych, +380 96 737 7810, [email protected]
Spokespersons available for interviews in English and Ukrainian.
