An independent commission investigating the war in Ukraine concluded that Russian authorities committed war crimes by deliberately targeting civilian facilities. Commanders knew that the heating facilities they attacked were essential to ordinary people, especially during winter. Attacks on power plants have intensified again across Ukraine.
Temperatures fell to about 6 degrees below zero Fahrenheit last winter, leaving some older people in homes without heat, electricity, or water. People unable to use stairs and afraid of elevators could not reach safety during air raid alerts. The commission gathered accounts from 255 people who experienced severe winter conditions, alongside information from officials, doctors, and nongovernmental organizations.
Investigators also found strong evidence that Russian authorities recruited men trafficked from 29 countries, using deception and pressure. Soon after arriving, the men were forced to sign Russian-language military contracts and were sent to dangerous frontline duties. Many were killed or went missing, while others surrendered or were captured by Ukrainian forces. The commission called for all trafficked recruits to be released from Russia’s armed forces.
The panel also examined Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure in Russia and Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. However, it could not investigate their effects inside Russia because Russian authorities denied access and did not answer requests for information.
