Russia’s latest major attacks on energy infrastructure are war crimes

Responding to Russia’s latest large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director, said:

“The devastation caused by this and previous attacks clearly demonstrates that Russia is trying to destroy Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in freezing temperatures.

“These coordinated attacks are systematically crippling Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and leaving civilians without electricity, heat and water as winter approaches.

“Deliberately attacking civilian targets and destroying infrastructure indispensable for the survival of the civilian population is a war crime.

“Russia’s actions appear clearly designed to inflict suffering on civilian populations and create life-threatening conditions. These will particularly affect vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, hospital patients, and many more.

“As Ukraine enters its third winter of full-scale occupation, the destruction of energy infrastructure means many schools, hospitals and countless homes remain without heating and water.

“Russia must stop its war of aggression against Ukraine and immediately end its attacks on civilian infrastructure.

“The international community must urgently take effective steps to support Ukraine’s humanitarian needs and ensure the accountability of persons suspected of responsibility for crimes under international law.”

Earlier today, Ukrainian officials and media reported: missile and drone attacks This attack apparently targeted critical infrastructure, such as energy production and distribution systems, across a large region of Ukraine, including its westernmost regions that were less affected by previous Russian attacks. Ukraine’s state grid operator said emergency blackouts were implemented in multiple regions to stabilize the energy system. Authorities have warned that continued attacks of this magnitude are further deepening what is already considered a humanitarian crisis.