Attacks on civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law and affect all aspects of civilian life in Ukraine, as their consequences are extremely widespread. The United Nations calls on the russian federation to immediately cease these attacks. This is indicated in a statement by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Thursday, February 12.
Türk emphasized that Ukraine is experiencing one of the coldest winters in recent years, and russia's continuous attacks on the energy sector are depriving people of heat, light and water. According to him, civilians are forced to adapt and fight the cold in addition to constant bombardment.
"Last night, the Russian Federation again carried out a large-scale attack targeting energy infrastructure across Ukraine. Hundreds of thousands of civilians woke up without electricity and heating. The consequences of such strikes are disastrously widespread, impacting all aspects of civilian life," the High Commissioner emphasized.
As a result of russia's attacks, millions of households are receiving only a few hours of electricity a day, unheated schools are being closed, and access to medical care has been hampered. Elderly people and people with disabilities are blocked on the upper floors of buildings because they cannot walk downstairs, Türk emphasized.
"And as power is painstakingly restored, fresh attacks regularly plunge entire areas again back into darkness. The targeting of civilian infrastructure is prohibited under international humanitarian law. I call upon the Russian Federation to immediately cease these attacks," the Commissioner concluded.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, on January 30, the United Nations and the organizers of the Winter Olympics called for a seven-week pause in all global conflicts.
On November 20, 2025, the UN General Assembly approved a resolution proposed by Italy on a ceasefire during the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
On October 7, 2025, Italy proposed to the United Nations a ceasefire for the duration of the Winter Olympics.
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