Russia is systematically targeting Ukraine’s civilian population in an effort to force people from their homes, according to a new report by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, presented to the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly.
The report states that Russian forces have carried out coordinated attacks on civilian infrastructure across the Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Mykolaiv regions, spanning more than 300 kilometers along the right bank of the Dnipro River. The strikes have hit residential buildings, humanitarian aid centers, energy facilities, and rescue service vehicles — including ambulances and fire brigades — which are protected under international humanitarian law.
The Commission documented multiple cases of repeated strikes on the same targets, resulting in large-scale fires. The report also details forced deportations of civilians from occupied territories. Investigators found that some people were forcibly transferred to Russia or neighboring Georgia.
Other documented crimes include unlawful detentions, torture, and the confiscation of civilians’ documents and property. The findings are based on 226 interviews with Ukrainians, over 500 videos — 247 of which were technically verified — as well as satellite imagery and eyewitness testimonies.
Despite repeated requests, the Russian authorities have refused to cooperate with the Commission and denied access to occupied territories, leaving parts of the investigation unverified.
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