UN labels attacks on Ukraine’s power grid war crimes, identifying Putin as key perpetrator
Russian leader Vladimir Putin (photo: Getty Images)
The UN Commission has classified Russian attacks on energy facilities in Ukraine as war crimes, identifying the top leadership of the aggressor state as directly responsible for these strikes, according to a UN commission report obtained by CNN.
UN accuses Russia
The commission named the following individuals as most responsible for attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine:
- Russian leader Vladimir Putin;
- Former Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu;
- His successor Andrei Belousov;
- Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov.
It is noted that Russia’s attacks were deliberate and aligned with the state policy of Russia, aimed at depriving the civilian population of essential energy resources and inflicting suffering.
Russian officers who issued orders for these strikes knew that heating facilities were vital for the civilian population, especially in winter, the report states.
Details of the report
According to the commission, Ukrainian health authorities documented deaths due to low temperatures in homes and even hospitals following Russian attacks. Last winter, patients with frostbite and hypothermia were admitted to hospitals. They sustained these injuries at home due to the lack of heating.
CNN emphasizes that Russia intends to continue its attacks ahead of the winter season. The report mentions a statement by the Russian Ministry of Defense from August, in which Ukraine was threatened with new strikes on energy infrastructure.
Reaction of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the findings of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on violations in Ukraine.
"Russia has deliberately deprived millions of people of electricity, heating and water, turning cold and darkness into instruments of war. These attacks were in line with Russia’s state policy to deprive the civilian population from essential energy supplies and cause suffering," the Ministry stated.
In the view of the ministry, these conclusions are particularly important ahead of the new winter. They serve as a reminder to the international community that Russia continues to deliberately destroy Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
The Ministry noted that they must not allow the lives of millions of people to be threatened again by cold and darkness.
The agency called for holding Russia accountable for international crimes committed during the full-scale war and for strengthening support for Ukraine.
Strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are part of a multi-target and comprehensive campaign by Russia, where blackouts and freezing are just one of the components.
Furthermore, on October 20, Russian forces struck the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kyiv, hitting an energy facility. Four districts experienced power outages.
