The UN noted that since March, Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been regularly targeted by Russian drones and missiles, significantly affecting civilians. The most vulnerable groups—elderly people, low-income families, individuals with disabilities, and internally displaced persons—suffer the most.
“As temperatures drop below freezing, and are likely to fall further, electricity and electricity-dependent services are even more critical for the survival of the civilian population,” the statement said.
The UN reported that strikes on Nov. 28 damaged facilities in at least 13 regions of Ukraine, including Kyiv, resulting in power outages affecting more than a million consumers nationwide. Basic services, such as water supply and transportation, have been disrupted in some areas.
The UN High Commissioner stated that Russia's strikes on Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure, especially on facilities crucial for winter survival, raise “serious concerns” regarding the adherence of Russian forces to the principles of international humanitarian law.
“We call again on the Russian Federation to immediately cease all attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure critical to the civilian population, for accountability for all unlawful attacks, and for the international community to prioritize support to Ukraine to repair and restore its energy systems,” the message added.