Number of cluster bomb victims increased dramatically in 2025

The number of cluster bomb victims rose rapidly in 2025. Compared to the previous year, it has more than tripled, reports the Cluster Bomb Coalition, a group of non-governmental organizations. 87 percent of the victims were civilians.

According to this, at least 1,063 people were killed or injured, one of the highest annual figures since the first cluster bomb report in 2010. Ukraine, against which Russia is waging war, was once again particularly hard hit.

Cluster bombs sometimes consist of hundreds of mini-bombs and are usually fired from aircraft or rocket launchers. When they explode in the air, they spread over large areas. Many explosive devices end up in the ground as unexploded bombs and kill or injure people for years later. Survivors often lose limbs.

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