Key facts
- UN inquiry report determined Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy grid are a war crime.
- Attacks targeted power plants, substations, and gas infrastructure.
- Reported intent was to deprive civilians of essential energy supplies and cause suffering.
- Russia's recruitment of soldiers from third countries found to be human trafficking.
The United Nations has concluded that Russia's persistent and deliberate attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure amount to a war crime, according to a UN inquiry report released on October 26. Russian forces have intensified strikes on power plants, substations, and gas facilities in the lead-up to winter, aiming to leave civilians without essential energy supplies. The report noted that commanders were aware these facilities were indispensable, especially during the cold months. Similar attacks last winter left millions without power. The commission also found that Russia's recruitment of soldiers from 29 countries through deception and coercion constitutes human trafficking and violates human rights law.