Author: Lisa Michelutto Sunday, August 11th, 2024
SUMMARY
The ongoing war in Ukraine, since February 2022, shows no signs of easing, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict. July 2024 was the deadliest month for civilians this year, with 219 deaths due to increased Russian shelling, especially in the Donbas and southern regions. The UN has urged for the protection of civilians and a return to diplomatic negotiations, but the situation remains dire with little hope for immediate improvement.
BACKGROUND
The war in Ukraine that began in February 2022 does not seem to want to come any closer to a détente. Ukrainian people are exhausted. Of course, the victims of this conflict are not only the senior ranks of the authorities but also, above all, civilians. They have seen the life they had vanish, often even having to move abroad to survive. The most affected areas continue to be the Donbas (Donetsk and Luhansk regions) and the more southern areas of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
July 2024: The Deadliest Month for Civilians
The UN reported that July 2024 was the deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine since the beginning of the year, with a death toll of 219 people killed, including 23 children. This figure represents a 51 percent increase over the previous month, making July particularly dramatic for the civilian population caught up in the ongoing conflict.
Escalation of Violence Due to Russian Shelling
The escalation of violence is mainly attributed to Russian shelling, which hit several residential areas and crowded markets, resulting in a high number of civilian casualties. The office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed deep concern over the escalation of hostilities and strongly condemned the attacks, which do not distinguish between military and civilian targets.
Increasing Humanitarian Crisis
The situation in Ukraine, already critical, appears to be getting even worse, with increasing numbers of people being caught up in the violence every day. The UN report also highlights the devastating psychological and social impact this conflict is having on local communities, with many people forced to live under constant threat, without safe access to essential services.
UN Calls for Immediate Ceasefire and Return to Diplomacy
The United Nations reiterated the urgency of protecting civilians and respecting international humanitarian law, urging all parties involved in the conflict to avoid indiscriminate attacks and ensure the safety of populations. In addition, the UN called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic negotiations to end a conflict that continues to cause untold suffering.
The report also highlights the crucial role the international community must play in providing humanitarian and diplomatic support to alleviate the suffering of civilians and promote a peaceful solution. The West led by the USA and the European Union, has established sanctions for Putin’s Russia since the beginning. However, these measures did not result in the end of hostilities yet. The countries have also backed Ukraine by providing military and financial support.
Conclusion: A Bleak and Uncertain Future
However, the picture outlined remains extremely bleak, with little prospect for improvement in the short term. Geopolitical tensions and lack of progress in negotiations continue to fuel a conflict that looks set to continue for a long time to come, with devastating consequences for Ukraine's civilian population. Thus, the situation remains complex and in constant evolution. The risk of further escalation, including the possible expansion of the conflict beyond Ukraine's borders, remains a significant concern for the international community.
REFERENCES
Redazione Ansa (August 10th, 2024). Ucraina: Onu, “luglio mese più letale, uccisi 219 civili”. ANSA. https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/mondo/2024/08/10/ucraina-onu-luglio-mese-piu-letale-uccisi-219- civili_610cd848-fce0-47ee-acde-652d912d1e90.html
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