started · updated
Amnesty International warns of humanitarian disaster in Ukraine
Amnesty International has warned that a new humanitarian disaster threatens Ukraine this coming winter. The warning follows announcements from Russian authorities, including President Vladimir Putin, regarding intentional attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Scott Edwards of Amnesty described the targeting of energy and essential infrastructure as an unlawful campaign aimed at creating unlivable conditions for Ukrainian citizens. An international commission previously reported that such attacks on energy infrastructure during past winters could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, as electricity and heating installations are considered civilian objects under international humanitarian law.
During the 2025-2026 winter, Russia conducted at least 423 attacks on electricity infrastructure and 74 attacks on heating facilities. These strikes left hundreds of thousands of people without heating during temperatures dropping below -20 degrees Celsius, while disrupting water, healthcare, and education services.
Civilian casualties in Ukraine have also risen significantly. In September 2026, civilian deaths increased by 85 percent compared to the previous year. Amnesty expects October 2026 to be one of the deadliest months for the Ukrainian civilian population.
Entities
Amnesty International · Russia · Scott Edwards · Ukraine · Vladimir Putin
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Russian authorities announced intentions to intentionally attack Ukraine's energy infrastructure. www.rd.nl · www.dagelijksestandaard.nl · www.welingelichtekringen.nl
- [● 3 SOURCES] The international commission for Ukraine reported that attacks on energy infrastructure could be war crimes or crimes against humanity. www.rd.nl · www.dagelijksestandaard.nl · www.welingelichtekringen.nl
- [● 3 SOURCES] Russia conducted at least 74 attacks on heating facilities during the 2025-2026 winter. www.rd.nl · www.dagelijksestandaard.nl · www.welingelichtekringen.nl
- [● 3 SOURCES] Civilian casualties in Ukraine increased by 85 percent in September 2026 compared to the previous year. www.rd.nl · www.dagelijksestandaard.nl · www.welingelichtekringen.nl
- [● 3 SOURCES] Amnesty International warns of a humanitarian disaster in Ukraine this coming winter. www.rd.nl · www.dagelijksestandaard.nl · www.welingelichtekringen.nl
- [● 3 SOURCES] Russia conducted at least 423 attacks on electricity infrastructure during the 2025-2026 winter. www.rd.nl · www.dagelijksestandaard.nl · www.welingelichtekringen.nl