UN Panel Attributes Russian Attacks on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure to War Crimes

Source reports published 26 Oct 2026, 10:00 am – 27 Oct 2026, 7:08 am AEST

A United Nations commission determined that Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since 2022 constituted war crimes, specifically targeting civilian suffering and infrastructure. The attacks intensified during the severe winter of 2025–2026.

What happened

• The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine reported to the UN General Assembly that Russia’s persistent attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, including heating plants, power lines, and gas facilities, since autumn 2022 constitute war crimes.
• Erik Mose, chair of the commission, noted that attacks intensified as the cold season approaches, raising concerns about threats to civilians’ lives and health.
• The commission assessed that Russian commanders knew that heating facilities targeted were indispensable to the civilian population.
• A Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia injured four people overnight, according to regional governor Mykhailo Semikin.
• The Ministry of Defence in Moscow accused Ukraine of repeatedly striking the Russian-controlled town of Oleshky.
• The UN commission also accused Moscow of human trafficking in connection with the recruitment of foreign fighters.
• The commission’s report focused on the cumulative effect of these attacks since 2022, particularly during the severe winter of 2025–2026 when temperatures dropped to minus 21 degrees Celsius (-5.8 degrees Fahrenheit), leaving millions without heating, electricity, water, and gas.

Original reporting

• Al Jazeera: Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure a war crime: UN
  2026-10-26T00:00:00+00:00
• New York Times World: Civilian Suffering Was Goal of Russian Strikes in Ukraine, U.N. Panel Says
  2026-10-26T21:08:14+00:00