UN Human Rights report says russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy system breached principles of international law

The United Nations has published a damning report into the impact of russia’s large-scale and repeated attacks on Ukraine’s electricity infrastructure, saying that they caused “extensive harm and hardship” and breached the principles of international law.

After visiting DTEK facilities and other energy infrastructure across Ukraine, experts from the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission (HRMMU) concluded that the destruction of critical energy infrastructure (including critical assets such as heating facilities during the winter months), “breaches principles of international humanitarian law designed to protect civilians.”

It said the destruction of energy infrastructure had compromised essential services including water distribution, sewage and sanitation systems, heating and hot water, public health, education, and the economy, with vulnerable households particularly affected.

DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko said: “This comprehensive dossier of evidence compiled by the United Nations points to only one conclusion: that russia is deliberately trying to terrorise Ukrainians into surrender. Not only is this strategy illegal under international law, it will ultimately fail. In rebuilding what we have lost, Ukraine is creating a stronger, more resilient and greener energy system.”

The report reveals:

• Nine waves of attack against electricity infrastructure between 22^nd March and 31^st August
• Attacks combining missiles, loitering munitions, and drones
• The deaths of at least 18 civilians and injuries to at least 84 more, in the immediate vicinity of the strikes.
• The rendering inoperative of 73 per cent of Ukraine’s thermal power generating units
• The destruction of around 9 GW of electricity generation capacity – equivalent to half of what Ukraine requires during winter months.
• Possible power outages of between 4 and 18 hours per day during the winter.