UN panel: Russia committing crimes against humanity by targeting civilians in Ukraine

A United Nations panel has accused Russia of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity by deliberately targeting Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure. In a report released today, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine stated that these systematic attacks aimed to deprive the civilian population of essential services and inflict suffering. The panel concluded that these actions were carried out with intent and in accordance with a state policy.

The UN Commission further reported that Russian authorities have recruited men from various countries into their armed forces through deception and coercion, which constitutes trafficking in persons and a violation of international human rights law. These individuals were reportedly forced to sign contracts upon arrival in Russia and were subsequently deployed to dangerous frontline tasks in Ukraine, with many casualties and disappearances documented. Accounts from individuals and human rights groups also describe a growing pattern of vulnerable men within Russia being targeted and subjected to physical and moral pressure to join the military.