Amnesty warns of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Amnesty International
Amnesty International warns that Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy and heating infrastructure could cause a new humanitarian catastrophe before winter. The organisation highlights the recent rise in civilian deaths and recalls that two senior Russian military officials are being prosecuted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes.
Amnesty International warned on 2 November that Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and heating infrastructure in Ukraine risked causing a new humanitarian crisis as winter approaches. The organisation says the number of civilian deaths has risen sharply in recent months and that October 2026 could be one of the deadliest periods for civilians in several years.
Scott Edwards, Amnesty International’s Crisis Response Programme Director, accuses Russia of conducting a campaign targeting essential infrastructure, including far from the front line. He says these attacks directly expose civilians to the cold and to unbearable living conditions.
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine reported on 26 October that Russia had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity by intentionally targeting energy infrastructure. According to Amnesty International, millions of people have consequently been left without electricity and heating in freezing temperatures.
The International Criminal Court has indicted Russian Lieutenant General Sergueï Kobylach and Admiral Viktor Sokolov for alleged war crimes related to directing attacks on Ukrainian electrical infrastructure, the organisation recalled.
