UN report: Russia has committed torture, war crimes in Ukraine

The report said violations include deliberate killings of unarmed civilians who present war crimes but also torture, unlawful detentions, rapes and other forms of sexual violence and violent expulsions of Ukrainian children to Russia from areas under Moscow's control.

The Commission also said that the wave of large-scale Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure since last October has left millions in Ukraine without electricity or heat in long winter periods. This, according to this commission, could constitute a crime against humanity. In the commission's report, the attacks on infrastructure should be further investigated.

The commission, having the support of the United Nations, consists of three independent human rights experts. This commission was established during an urgent debate that was held following the launch of Ukraine's unprotested Russian occupation.

The report is based on hundreds of interviews, satellite images, and visits to detention centres and cemeteries. It mentions that the use of explosive weapons by Russian forces in populated areas is one of the leading causes of civilian casualties, which has shown a disregard for the damage to civilians and the cause of suffering”.

The report said members of the “Commission have been shaken by the large level of destruction” they saw during their visits to the ground.

In the report, a <x0-second cases of rape and sexual violence by Russian authorities have been identified in areas that have taken control of.

Sexual violence has been committed during house - to - house visits and during the unlawful detention of victims.

“Sexual violence, which constitutes torture, and the threat to these women and men has been important aspects of the torture committed by Russian authorities”, was said in the report.

The transfer and expulsion of Ukrainian children to Russia “is a war crime”, the report said, adding that many children could not contact their families and “may have lost contact with them permanently”.

Delays in the process of repatriating civilians could also constitute war crime, the report said.

The commission has also documented a small number of violations committed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including indiscriminate attacks, and two incidents were described as war crimes when Russian prisoners of war were shot, wounded and tortured”, the report said.

The commission's main recommendation is that “all violations and crimes be investigated and those responsible be brought to justice, whether at the national or international level”.

Russia has consistently dismissed allegations that it committed atrocities or targeted civilians in Ukraine, despite numerous evidence supporting these charges.