UN warns of civilian vulnerability due to energy infrastructure attacks

energy infrastructure attacks civilian vulnerability winter heating crisis UN human rights report Ukraine conflict

UN researchers have warned that ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure in both Russia and Ukraine are increasing civilian vulnerability ahead of the winter season. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine reported to the UN Human Rights Council that during the harsh 2025-2026 winter, Russian forces conducted systematic waves of attacks against critical Ukrainian energy infrastructure while temperatures dropped as low as -20 degrees Celsius.

Millions of civilians faced prolonged electricity outages and a lack of heating. Testimonies indicate that falling indoor temperatures led to significant health issues, including psychological disorders.

The Commission also noted it has information regarding attacks by Ukrainian armed forces on infrastructure within the Russian Federation and in Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine, which have resulted in civilian casualties and property damage. However, investigators stated they could not verify these specific incidents due to a lack of access and sufficient evidence. Commission Chair Erik Mose warned that continued attacks make living conditions increasingly unbearable and expressed fear that the upcoming winter will be even more difficult for civilians.

Entities

Erik Miosse · Erik Mose · Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine · Russia · UN Human Rights Council · Ukraine · United Nations

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Continued attacks on energy infrastructure by both Russia and Ukraine increase civilian vulnerability ahead of winter. www.businessdaily.gr · athina984.gr · www.capital.gr
[● 7 SOURCES] Low indoor temperatures led to health issues, including psychological disorders. www.businessdaily.gr · athina984.gr · www.capital.gr · www.aktuality.sk · www.insider.gr · +2 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Temperatures during the 2025-2026 winter dropped to as low as -20 degrees Celsius. www.businessdaily.gr · athina984.gr · www.capital.gr
[● 7 SOURCES] During the 2025-2026 winter, Russian forces conducted systematic waves of attacks against critical Ukrainian energy infrastructure. www.businessdaily.gr · athina984.gr · www.capital.gr · www.aktuality.sk · www.insider.gr · +2 more
[● 7 SOURCES] Millions of civilians experienced prolonged electricity outages and a lack of heating. www.businessdaily.gr · athina984.gr · www.capital.gr · www.aktuality.sk · www.insider.gr · +2 more
[● 7 SOURCES] Continued attacks on energy infrastructure make living conditions increasingly unbearable for civilians. www.businessdaily.gr · athina984.gr · www.capital.gr · www.aktuality.sk · www.insider.gr · +2 more
[● 7 SOURCES] The Commission has information regarding attacks by Ukrainian armed forces on infrastructure in the Russian Federation and Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine. www.businessdaily.gr · athina984.gr · www.capital.gr · www.aktuality.sk · www.insider.gr · +2 more
[● 7 SOURCES] The Commission could not investigate specific incidents of Ukrainian attacks due to lack of access and sufficient evidence. www.businessdaily.gr · athina984.gr · www.capital.gr · www.aktuality.sk · www.insider.gr · +2 more