‘The morale of the civilian population is not a lawful target’ - Marie Struthers

Responding to news that Russian military attacks on energy facilities in Ukraine over recent days have led to a nationwide blackout in the country, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director, said: 

“Russia’s targeting of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure is unlawful.

“In bombing Ukraine’s critical civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, the Russian army clearly intends to undermine industrial production, disrupt transportation, sow fear and despair and deprive civilians in Ukraine of heat, electricity and water as the cold grip of winter approaches. 

“The morale of the civilian population is not a lawful target, and carrying out these attacks with the sole purpose of terrorising civilians is a war crime. 

“All those responsible for ordering and committing these criminal attacks must be held to account. 

“With Russia ramping up its efforts to terrorise civilians in Ukraine, the international community must urgently respond and condemn these heinous attacks.” 

Power outages

Earlier today, the Ukrainian authorities announced that there will be power outages across the country, after Russian attacks over recent days seriously damaged about 40% of the country’s energy facilities. Amid efforts to repair the damaged facilities, the Ukrainian authorities have resorted to planned power outages to ensure the remaining energy infrastructure is not overloaded. The authorities have also urged people across the country to minimise daily electricity use between 7am and 11pm, while from today street lighting will also be limited nationwide.