Russia's massive attacks on Ukraine's energy system this week have "raised serious concerns" at the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), according to spokesperson Jeremy Lawrence, who issued a statement on Friday.
He noted that the OHCHR is worried about "the fate of civilians facing a winter full of hardships and suffering."
Lawrence pointed out that Thursday’s missile and drone strikes, launched with long-range rockets, caused damage in at least 13 regions and led to power outages affecting more than one million consumers across the country.
"Since March, Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been targeted in waves of attacks that have predictably caused widespread damage to civilians," Lawrence said.
With temperatures dropping below freezing and likely continuing to fall, electricity and services dependent on it have become even more crucial for civilians’ survival, he added.
The OHCHR monitoring mission in Ukraine is tracking the aftermath of these attacks, documenting their impact on power production, water distribution, heating and hot water supply, healthcare, and education.
The High Commissioner again stressed that the damage or destruction of energy infrastructure raises "serious concerns regarding the adherence by Russian forces to fundamental principles of international humanitarian law — particularly distinction, precaution, and proportionality in the conduct of hostilities," the spokesperson said.
He emphasized that systematic attacks must be investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable.
"We again call on the Russian Federation to immediately cease all attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which is critical for civilians, to hold those responsible for all unlawful attacks accountable, and for the international community to prioritize support for Ukraine in repairing and restoring its energy systems," Lawrence stated.
During the last two massive attacks on Ukraine's energy system, on November 17 and 28, Russia used 211 missiles and 187 strike drones.
