UN accuses Russia of war crimes and crimes against humanity for abuses committed in Ukraine

The UN Commission of Inquiry into Ukraine concludes in its final report that Russia continues to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity in its military attack on Ukraine, and that abuses are almost constant, including bombing of the civilian population and forcing its citizens to move.

"The armed conflictinUkraine is having a disastrous impact on the civilian population, "Commission Leader Erik Mose lamented in a speech to the UN Human Rights Council, in which he recalled that the number of civilian victims increased by 40% in the first eight months of the year compared to the same period in 2024.

Thecommission has been particularly "excited" by the growing use of short-range drones on the battlefront by Russian forces to "spread panic among the population."

According to the Commission, the targets are not limited to the military zone, as investigators have found that there havebeen bombings of civilian facilities and infrastructure, such as transport, vehicles and buildings linked to the medical sector.

"The absence of impunity and the prosecution of those responsible is essential to ensure lasting peace," Mos warned the Council.