By ZR Reporter
The European Union delegation in Zambia says civilians in Ukraine are facing an increasingly dangerous reality as Russia steps up aerial attacks, even as its advance on the battlefield continues to slow.
Fresh figures released by the delegation paint a picture of a conflict that is changing in character. While Russian forces made only limited territorial gains in May 2026, attacks on Ukrainian towns and cities reached their highest monthly level since the early months of the war.
The report shows that Russia occupied only a small amount of Ukrainian territory during May, marking its slowest rate of advance in nearly three years. It also estimates that more than 31,000 Russian soldiers were lost during the month.
Even with those setbacks on the ground, the intensity of attacks from the air increased sharply.
In May alone, Russian forces carried out 8,351 strikes across Ukrainian towns and cities, up from 6,700 in April. The EU says it is the highest monthly figure recorded since March 2022.
For civilians, the consequences have been devastating.
At least 274 people were killed during the month, while another 1,763 sustained injuries. The delegation says those figures represent the highest monthly civilian casualty toll recorded in more than four years and almost double the number reported during the same period last year.
The EU believes the trend reflects a shift in Russia’s military strategy, arguing that when progress on the frontlines slows, attacks increasingly affect civilian areas instead.
Beyond the battlefield, the war continues to reshape everyday life for millions of Ukrainians. Families have been forced from their homes, communities have been torn apart and essential infrastructure has suffered extensive damage.
The conflict has also had consequences far beyond Eastern Europe. Disruptions to food supplies, fuel markets and international trade have been felt across the world, including in many African countries that rely on global supply chains.
The current phase of the war began in February 2022 when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, expanding a conflict that dates back to the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Despite repeated diplomatic efforts by regional and international leaders, there has been little progress towards a lasting peace, with fighting continuing across several parts of Ukraine.
© Zambia Reports | July 2026