Responding to Russia’s latest large-scale missile and drone assault on Ukraine, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director, said: 

“The devastation caused by this and previous attacks makes it apparent that Russia seeks to destroy Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in freezing conditions. 

“These coordinated attacks are systematically crippling Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, depriving civilians of electricity, heating and water as winter sets in. 

“Deliberately attacking civilian objects and destroying infrastructure indispensable to the survival of the civilian population are war crimes. 

“Russia's actions clearly appear designed to inflict suffering on the civilian population, creating life-threatening conditions. These will particularly affect vulnerable groups including children, older people, hospital patients and many others. 

“As Ukraine enters its third winter of full-scale invasion, the destruction of energy infrastructure means that many schools, hospitals and countless homes are left without heating and running water. 

“Russia must stop its war of aggression in Ukraine and immediately end its attacks on civilian infrastructure. 

“The international community should urgently take effective steps to support Ukraine’s humanitarian needs and ensure accountability for those suspected of responsibility for crimes under international law.” 

Earlier today, the Ukrainian authorities and media reported missile and drone attacks which apparently targeted critical infrastructure - such as its energy generation and distribution systems - across a wide area of Ukraine, including in its westernmost regions which had been less affected by previous Russian attacks. Ukraine’s state grid operator has reported that emergency blackouts were imposed across multiple regions to stabilise the energy system. Officials warned that continued attacks of this magnitude were deepening what is already regarded as a humanitarian crisis.