Day 1581 of war in Ukraine: May was the deadliest month for civilians in four years

Russia and Ukraine's war continues on day 1581. May became the deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine over the past four years. Fighting continues to take place primarily in eastern and southern Ukraine.

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues on day 1581, as May 2026 proved to be the most tragic month for civilians since February 2022, with no other month in the past four years claiming as many civilian casualties.

Background to the war

Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. After Ukrainian armed forces repelled Russia's offensive towards Kyiv, the main weight of fighting shifted to eastern and southern Ukraine, where intense combat continues to this day.

Civilian casualties at record levels

The number of civilian casualties in May 2026 exceeded all previous months since the start of the war, making it the war's most tragic month from the perspective of civilians. Attacks have hit residential areas, hospitals, and infrastructure across the country.

The international community has condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and called for accountability for war crimes.