Tue Feb 11 12:15:32 UTC 2025: ## Drone Strikes Kill Hundreds of Civilians in Ukraine in January: UN
**KYIV, UKRAINE (February 11, 2025)** – The United Nations monitoring mission in Ukraine reported a sharp increase in civilian casualties caused by short-range drones in January 2025. At least 139 civilians were killed and 738 wounded, with drones responsible for 27% of the deaths and 30% of the injuries. This represents a significant escalation in drone warfare since the conflict began in February 2022.
The UN mission emphasized that short-range drones are being used in ways that endanger civilians, despite the potential for operators to distinguish between military and civilian targets using onboard cameras. The overall civilian death toll in the war is nearing 12,500, including 650 children, though the UN acknowledges this is likely an undercount.
The report highlights the dramatic shift in the role of drones in the conflict. Initially used as auxiliary tools, they have become a major weapon for both sides, with millions produced by both Ukraine and Russia in 2024.
Danielle Bell, head of the UN monitoring mission, expressed concern over the disturbing pattern of civilian deaths caused by drone strikes. Russia denies targeting civilians, but the UN data points to a significant number of civilian casualties attributed to drone attacks.
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