A United Nations report has concluded that Russia has committed crimes against humanity, including enforced disappearances and torture, as part of a systematic attack on the civilian population during its war against Ukraine.
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine published its latest report online this week and will formally present it to the UN Human Rights Council next Tuesday.
“The commission has determined that Russian authorities have carried out enforced disappearances and torture as crimes against humanity,” the document states. It also emphasizes that these acts are part of a widespread and systematic attack on the civilian population, carried out under a coordinated state policy.
Such a strong statement is unusual in UN investigations.
The report details that a large number of civilians were detained in areas under Russian control and transferred to detention centers in occupied territories or in Russia. During these prolonged detentions, Russian authorities committed additional human rights violations. Many victims have remained missing for months or even years, and some have died in captivity. Furthermore, the report highlights that Russia has systematically concealed information about the whereabouts of detainees, seemingly with the intent to deprive them of legal protection.
Prisoners of war have also been subjected to torture and enforced disappearances. The investigation concludes that Russia has systematically used these methods to extract information, coerce, and intimidate detainees. Particularly brutal forms of torture were employed during interrogations, and Russian authorities also “systematically used sexual violence as a form of torture against male detainees.”
The report also documents a growing number of cases in which Russian troops have killed or wounded captured Ukrainian soldiers or those attempting to surrender, which constitutes a war crime. According to testimonies from Russian military deserters, there is a policy of not taking prisoners and instead executing them. Additionally, the report states that both Russian and Ukrainian forces have committed war crimes by targeting wounded soldiers with drones.
On the other hand, the report also examines human rights violations committed by Ukrainian authorities against individuals accused of collaborating with Russia.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In response, the UN Human Rights Council established a high-level committee in March of that year to investigate violations and abuses committed during the conflict.
On the diplomatic front, U.S. President Donald Trump has attempted to negotiate a peace agreement to end the war. On Friday, the Russian government stated that President Vladimir Putin had sent “additional signals” to Trump regarding a possible ceasefire proposed by Washington, although Moscow remains “cautiously optimistic” about the feasibility of an agreement.
After three years of conflict, the UN investigation highlights that the “deep scars” left on victims are becoming increasingly visible. Many have suffered seemingly irreparable harm and endured multiple crimes and violations.
In this context, the commission reiterates the importance of ensuring justice and holding those responsible for these crimes accountable. While Ukraine has cooperated with the investigation, Russia does not recognize the commission and has ignored its requests for access, information, and meetings.
