Russian armed forces systematically targeted energy facilities across Ukraine during the 2025-2026 winter, leaving millions without electricity and hundreds of thousands without heat, according to a UK statement at the 63rd UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. These attacks reportedly disrupted healthcare and water supplies, increasing humanitarian needs.
The UK statement, delivered on 22 September 2026, noted that July 2026 was the deadliest month for civilians in over four years, with 437 fatalities, including a record number of children. Russia reportedly struck Ukraine’s energy infrastructure more than 130 times in August 2026 alone.
The UK reiterated its call for Russia to accept Ukraine's offer of a full and unconditional ceasefire to enable negotiations for peace. The statement also alleged that Russia is deceiving foreign nationals into fighting and militarising Ukrainian children in temporarily occupied territories.