Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy sector deemed crimes against humanity by UN commission

Russia has committed crimes against humanity in carrying out its systematic attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has concluded.

Source: a statement by the commission published on 26 October

Details: The evidence gathered indicates that the strikes were part of a state policy aimed at depriving civilians of electricity and other essential services and inflicting suffering.

The commission examined the consequences of attacks since autumn 2022, paying particular attention to the winter of 2025-2026. The frequency, intensity and geographic range of the strikes have increased over time.

Last winter, when temperatures fell to -21°C, millions of people were left without heating, electricity, water and gas for extended periods. Older people and those with limited mobility were particularly affected.

According to the commission's assessment, Russian commanders were aware that the heating infrastructure was indispensable to civilians. The commission also classified the deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure as war crimes.

Background: On 26 October Ukraine's national energy company, Ukrenergo, reported further power outages following Russian attacks in six oblasts: Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Chernihiv, Kharkiv and Sumy.

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