UN warns of new Russia-Ukraine escalation, urges negotiations

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned on Thursday of a potential further escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict amid recent threats from Moscow to intensify attacks. ‘I urgently urge restraint. Continue negotiations and end the suffering,’ Turk said in a statement. He said dangerous escalations have caused a sharp increase in civilian casualties, with the number of civilians killed or injured in Ukraine during the first four months of 2026 rising by 21% compared to the same period in 2025. According to UN figures, 815 civilians were killed and 4,174 injured between January and April this year, compared to 682 killed and 3,453 injured in the same period last year. Most casualties occurred in Ukrainian-controlled areas. Turk highlighted several recent large-scale attacks, including an apartment building strike in Kyiv on 13-14 May that killed 24 civilians and injured dozens more. He also mentioned Ukraine’s attack on an education complex in occupied Starobilsk on 21-22 May. Russian authorities reported 21 deaths and 44 injuries. The UN Human Rights Office stated that publicly available information indicates civilians, including students, were among the victims. ‘International humanitarian law requires all parties to the conflict to take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian casualties — this is not merely a suggestion or recommendation, but a binding obligation that carries legal responsibility for those involved,’ he said. ‘As if these casualty figures were not horrific enough, Russian officials have openly threatened to escalate attacks across Kyiv following these strikes,’ Turk added. The UN Human Rights Chief also condemned Russia’s recent attacks on humanitarian personnel and assets and called for independent investigations into civilian deaths and injuries on both sides. He also noted that Ukrainian military attacks have killed and injured civilians within Russia. ‘I regret the recent loss of civilian lives and injuries,’ Turk said, urging both sides to conduct ‘prompt, independent, and effective investigations’ and hold those responsible accountable.