Today marks four years since Russia began its brutal, illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The conflict has resulted in immense suffering, particularly for civilians. Russia has continued to show a disregard for the law of armed conflict, including through the persistent use of explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA). Over a decade of data from dozens of conflicts around the world has shown that when EWIPA is used over 90% of casualties are civilians. Ukraine is no exception.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, there have been over 42,500 Ukrainian civilian casualties from explosive violence. The United Nations High Commission for Human Rights found that 2025 was the deadliest year for Ukrainian civilians since 2022, with 2,514 civilians killed and 12,142 injured. Action on Armed Violence reported that globally explosive weapons casualties per strike declined in 2025 except for in Ukraine. Long-range weapons, including missiles and loitering munitions, caused 35% of civilian casualties in Ukraine in 2025.

"Damage caused by a Russian large high-explosive missile that hit the corner of an apartment building in Poltava on February 1, 2025, killing 15 civilians and injuring 20." © 2025 Belkis Wille/Human Rights Watch

Beyond the high civilian casualty rate, civilians are also suffering from the indirect effects of EWIPA use. A new report from Amnesty International has documented the impact of Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy system, with survivors having to endure winter with no heat, electricity, or running water. Since last October, Russia has increased the number of intense long-distance aerial attacks - in January, these attacks were almost daily. Russia is deliberately targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and as a result power cuts have affected 80% of the country. 

Mines Action Canada stands with Ukrainian civilians, and strongly condemns Russia's sustained use of explosive weapons in populated areas. All states, including Russia, are legally bound to the laws of armed conflict. Russia's attacks have consistently gone against these laws by targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. Civilians cannot be the target. Mines Action Canada urgently calls on Russia to stop attacking civilians and join the Political Declaration on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas.