The international human rights organization Amnesty International believes that Russian strikes on the civilian and energy infrastructure of Ukraine are a war crime.
This was stated by the director of AI for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Marie Struthers.
According to her, AI understands that Russiaʼs tactics are aimed at undermining Ukraineʼs industrial production, disrupting the operation of transport, as well as sowing fear and despair by depriving civilians of heat, electricity, and water.
"Russiaʼs targeted destruction of Ukrainian civil infrastructure is illegal. The morale of the civilian population is not a legitimate target, and carrying out these attacks with the sole purpose of terrorizing the civilian population is a war crime. All those responsible for ordering and carrying out these criminal attacks must be brought to justice," Struthers said, adding that the international community must respond urgently to the attacks.
- On October 10 and 11, Russian troops massively attacked Ukraineʼs energy infrastructure with missiles and Iranian kamikaze drones. The DTEK Energo facilities, and later the Burshtynska TPP, the Ladyzhynska TPP, and the Naddnipryanska TPP, were affected by the strikes. More than 10 people died. On October 17 and 18, the attacks continued.
- Due to the drone attacks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine initiated the severing of diplomatic relations with Iran, and Britain and the EU imposed sanctions against the drone manufacturer and three high-ranking military personnel.
- On October 20, restrictions on the supply of electricity were introduced throughout Ukraine. The authorities said that 40% of the countryʼs energy facilities were affected by the attacks.