Published on: 2026-06-29
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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June 29, 2026 Peace and Security
Systematic attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during the winter period of 2025–2026 have led to widespread disruptions in the operation of vital services and have exacerbated the consequences of an increasingly deadly phase of the war for the civilian population. This is stated in a report published on Monday by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The report, covering the period from December 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026, records an increase in the number of civilian casualties, ongoing violations of the rights of prisoners of war, as well as restrictions on fundamental freedoms in territories controlled by the Russian Federation. According to the head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission, Danielle Bell, the identified trends are deeply concerning: in particular, it involves targeted strikes on energy facilities during winter and an increase in the number of civilian deaths and injuries.
During the specified period, the UN documented the deaths of 1,272 civilians and injuries to 6,871 people – this is 40 percent more than the previous year. The main cause of deaths and injuries remains long-range missile and drone attacks. At the same time, the increasing use of short-range drones near the front line has also intensified threats to civilians, complicated evacuation and humanitarian operations, and led to the isolation of certain settlements.
Strikes on energy infrastructure
From October 2025 to March 2026, the Russian armed forces carried out at least 423 strikes on facilities involved in the production, transmission, and distribution of electricity, as well as at least 74 strikes on thermal power plants and other heat supply facilities. Large coordinated attacks included the simultaneous launch of hundreds of missiles and drones across several regions of the country.
These strikes significantly reduced electricity production capabilities and led to prolonged rolling blackouts affecting homes, hospitals, schools, and other critical institutions. Hundreds of thousands of people faced heating interruptions during extreme cold spells, and disruptions to water supply and sanitation systems complicated daily life. The scale of the destruction is such that fully restoring energy capacities by next winter will be impossible.
The report notes that Ukrainian forces struck a power plant in Russia’s Belgorod region, which, according to Russian authorities, led to temporary power and heating outages.
Treatment of Prisoners of War
A separate section of the document is devoted to violations against Ukrainian prisoners of war. From mid-November 2025 to January 2026, the Russian armed forces executed at least 16 captured Ukrainian servicemen. Since February 2022, the UN has confirmed the execution of 129 Ukrainian prisoners of war.
Almost all repatriated Ukrainian prisoners of war reported torture and cruel treatment, including beatings, electric shocks, denial of medical care, and other forms of violence. The report also records cases of sexual violence related to the conflict against prisoners of war, civilian detainees, and residents of occupied territories.
The UN has examined the conditions of detention of Russian prisoners of war in Ukraine. More than half of those surveyed reported torture or cruel treatment, mainly during capture and transportation to official places of detention.
The report emphasizes the need for humane treatment of all prisoners of war in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Restrictions on fundamental rights
In the occupied territories, according to the UN’s findings, restrictions on freedom of expression and other fundamental rights continue, as well as instances of torture and ill-treatment, arbitrary detentions, violations of the right to a fair trial, forced conscription, the prohibition of the Ukrainian educational program, and the imposition of military-patriotic activities. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has again requested access to these territories for independent monitoring.
The report contains recommendations for the Russian Federation, Ukraine, and the international community aimed at strengthening the protection of civilians, ensuring accountability for violations, supporting victims, and restoring critical infrastructure.
Please be advised; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.