The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine presented its latest findings to the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, accusing Russian forces of committing two crimes against humanity: murder and forcible transfer of population, and deportations and transfers of civilians from occupied territories.
Key findings from the report:
- Systematic drone attacks: Russian-operated drones have repeatedly targeted civilians across Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Mykolaiv oblasts, striking homes, humanitarian aid points, energy infrastructure, and even ambulances and fire brigades, which are protected under international law.
- Deliberate terror tactics: Many attacks were repeated on the same targets to set fires and spread fear, violating fundamental human rights and international humanitarian law.
- Forced transfers and torture: Civilians were forcibly moved from occupied areas, with some sent to Ukrainian-controlled zones and others to neighboring Georgia. The report documents detention, torture, and confiscation of documents, causing “severe mental pain and suffering”.
- Civilian testimony: One resident described life under siege: “We are hit every day, drones fly at any time—morning, evening, day or night, constantly.”
- Evidence base: The commission analyzed 500 videos, verified 247 locations, and conducted 226 interviews with Ukrainian citizens. It also reviewed Russian claims of Ukrainian drone attacks but could not verify them due to lack of access and cooperation.
- Legal implications: These acts are classified as war crimes and violations of human rights, and the commission has called for accountability and prosecution under international law.
The commission, established by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2022, continues to investigate abuses stemming from Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Its mandate was most recently extended in April 2025.
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