UN Report Finds Russia Committed Crimes Against Humanity in Ukraine Energy Attacks

Energy attacks and civilian harm

A UN-backed commission reported that Russia committed war crimes and crimes against humanity by deliberately attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The strikes cut electricity and heat for millions during freezing winter conditions.

The commission said the outages left older people unable to use elevators to reach shelters during missile and drone attacks. Hospital patients also lost access to critical devices, according to the report.

Commission chair Erik Mose said the attacks amounted to war crimes because civilian objects were intentionally targeted. He described the impact on civilians as “inflicting great suffering,” speaking by video at a UN news conference.

Inquiry scope and evidence

The Geneva-based Human Rights Council authorized the independent commission to investigate human rights violations after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Monday’s report to the UN General Assembly’s human rights committee was its first examination of the effects of the energy infrastructure attacks. Mose, a former Norwegian judge, warned that intensifying attacks as winter approaches raise serious concerns for civilians.

Russia rejects commission findings

Russia’s UN Mission said Monday that Moscow does not recognize the commission’s mandate. It claimed the findings relied on “falsified data.” Russian authorities have consistently said their forces strike only military or military-related targets, or sites used in the interests of Ukraine’s armed forces. The report said the energy attacks were directed at civilian objects.

Recruitment from other countries

The inquiry also found that men from 29 countries were recruited into Russia’s armed forces through deception or coercion to fight in Ukraine. It said agents operating in other countries presented themselves as legitimate, government-endorsed businesses.

The report said some foreign recruits were surprised to learn they would serve in the Russian armed forces. Russian authorities have publicly recruited foreigners, offering benefits such as accelerated citizenship or requiring military enlistment for some people seeking permanent residency.