UN accuses Russia of war crimes in Ukraine and human trafficking for the recruitment of foreign soldiers

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine accuses Russia of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity through deliberate attacks on energy infrastructure and other civilian targets. The findings appear in a report presented to the UN General Assembly on Monday, following an analysis of the bombardments in autumn 2022 and their effects during the winter of 2025–2026.

According to investigators, hundreds of drones and missiles were used in successive waves, causing prolonged disruptions to electricity, heating, water and gas supplies. Millions of Ukrainians were left without essential services in temperatures as low as minus 21 degrees Celsius. Older people, those with reduced mobility and families with children were particularly affected.

The Commission maintains that Russian officials knew the targeted power plants were indispensable to the civilian population and that the attacks were part of a policy intended to cause suffering. The report is based on testimony from 255 people. The UN also accuses Russia of human trafficking by recruiting, through deception or coercion, citizens from 29 countries to fight on the front in Ukraine.