UN inquiry finds Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity
Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, an independent United Nations commission of inquiry concluded in a report submitted to the UN General Assembly.
The findings, released on October 26, follow an investigation into Russia's systematic attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities since autumn 2022, with particular attention to the winter of 2025–2026.
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine found that Russian commanders knowingly ordered attacks on heating facilities essential to civilians, particularly during winter.
The commission concluded that Russian authorities committed the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against civilian objects.
It also found that the attacks were carried out deliberately, as part of a state policy intended to deprive civilians of electricity and other essential services and cause suffering. The commission classified these actions as crimes against humanity of other inhumane acts.
During the winter of 2025–2026, when temperatures fell to minus 21°C, millions of Ukrainians experienced prolonged disruptions to heating, electricity, water and gas supplies.
"The scariest thing was to fall asleep and not to wake up; it was like torture to be scared of dying from cold," a 53-year-old Kyiv resident told investigators.
Older people, residents with limited mobility and families with children were among those particularly affected. Power outages prevented some residents from using elevators or reaching shelters during air raid alerts, while prolonged school closures disrupted children's education.
The commission based its findings on testimony from 255 people across nine Ukrainian regions, as well as information from Ukrainian authorities, medical professionals and nongovernmental organizations.
"As the cold season approaches, the attacks have intensified once again, raising serious concerns about the threats to civilians' lives and health," commission chair Erik Møse said.
The commission also examined Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories but said it could not investigate their impact further because Russia denied access and did not respond to requests for information.
The commission is an independent investigative body established by the UN Human Rights Council. Its findings do not constitute a court judgment.
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