UN inquiry finds Russia committed war crimes in Ukraine

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 00:20 · Archive

A UN inquiry concluded Russia committed war crimes by intentionally attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

A UN-backed inquiry authorised by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council has concluded that Russia committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine. The independent commission of inquiry, led by chair Erik Mose, reported its findings to the UN General Assembly's human rights committee on Monday, focusing for the first time on the impact of Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

The inquiry found that intentional attacks on civilian energy infrastructure constituted war crimes because they were deliberately directed against civilian objects, as well as crimes against humanity for 'inflicting great suffering to civilians'. The electricity cuts have left millions of civilians suffering in cold and darkness, prevented elderly people from reaching shelters during missile and drone attacks, and left hospital patients without critical medical devices.

The commission also found evidence that Russia recruited men from 29 countries into its armed forces 'through deception or coercion' in violation of international law. The recruits 'came mostly from vulnerable and marginalised communities, with a poor economic background and a low education level', according to the report. The inquiry based its findings on accounts from 255 Ukrainians who experienced winter conditions across Kyiv and eight other regions, as well as interviews with government officials, doctors and civic organisations.

Russia's UN Mission rejected the commission's findings, stating that Russia did not recognise the inquiry's mandate and claiming that its conclusions were based on 'falsified data'.

How it is being reported

• Russia committed war crimes in Ukraine, UN inquiry saysA UN inquiry says Russia has committed war crimes, crimes against humanity and other inhumane acts, with continuous attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.Perth Now · 26 Oct, 23:46
• Russia committed war crimes in Ukraine, UN inquiry saysA UN inquiry says Russia has committed war crimes, crimes against humanity and other inhumane acts, with continuous attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.The West Australian · 26 Oct, 23:46

In this story: Russia · Ukraine · United Nations · Erik Mose · Kyiv · Human Rights Council

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