Russian Attacks on Ukraine’s Power Grid Likely Violate Humanitarian Law

The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) has reported that Russian air strikes targeting Ukraine’s electricity generation and distribution infrastructure likely violate international humanitarian law. A report released on Thursday reviewed nine waves of attacks from March to August this year, revealing significant damage to power plants and the impact on 28 affected communities.
The report states there are reasonable grounds to believe that these military operations have contravened fundamental humanitarian principles. Following a significant wave of strikes in 2022, Moscow has intensified its campaign since March, resulting in prolonged power outages in Ukrainian cities.
Ukraine has characterized the targeting of its energy systems as a war crime, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for several Russian officials connected to these attacks. In response, Russia claims that the power infrastructure constitutes a legitimate military target and dismisses the charges as unfounded.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the assaults, emphasizing that Russia aims to plunge Ukraine into darkness. She announced that €160 million from frozen Russian assets would be allocated for Ukraine’s urgent humanitarian needs this winter, including rebuilding a dismantled fuel power plant in Lithuania.
The HRMMU highlighted the broader risks posed by these attacks, affecting not only energy supply but also water, sewage, sanitation, and public health services. It noted that nearly 95% of residents in Kyiv rely on centralized heating systems that require electricity to function. Experts predict that Ukrainians may face power outages of between four to 18 hours daily this winter.