Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
February 16, 2026 Peace and security
Almost four years after the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion, the situation for Ukrainian civilians continues to deteriorate. Approximately 325,000 Ukrainians who have already returned to their homes may flee their homes again in the coming months, with more than a third of them considering leaving the country. UN agencies warned on Monday.
"The situation has noticeably worsened," said Danielle Bell, head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission (HRMMU). "Every year, more and more people are killed and injured. Millions have electricity for only a few hours a day. Hundreds of thousands suffer without heat during freezing temperatures. Serious violations of international humanitarian law continue, and the Russian authorities demonstratively ignore international law in the territories of Ukraine they occupy."
The death toll is rising
According to the Mission, the number of civilian casualties in 2025 was 31 percent higher than in 2024, and 70 percent higher than in 2023. Since February 2022, more than 15,000 people have been confirmed killed and over 41,000 injured. The overwhelming majority of casualties were recorded in territories under Ukrainian control.
Each of these figures represents someone's life, destroyed families, and psychological trauma for the population, the UN emphasizes.
Strikes on energy facilities
Since October last year attacks intensified Russian armed forces attacked Ukraine's energy system. The destruction led to prolonged outages of electricity, heating, and water supplies. In January, when temperatures dropped below minus 20 degrees Celsius, district heating facilities were hit, leaving thousands of multi-story buildings without heat.
Human rights violations
The mission also reports serious violations of international humanitarian law that remain unpunished. These include torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees by Russian forces and authorities, sexual violence, and executions. In late 2025, there was a surge in reports of executions of captured Ukrainian servicemen.
At the same time, the HRMMU documented cases of torture and ill-treatment of prisoners of war during the early stages of their detention by Ukrainian authorities. According to the Mission, the scope of investigations remains limited.
In the occupied territories, Russian authorities are reportedly implementing their own laws and administrative systems, forcing residents to obtain Russian citizenship, and restricting freedom of expression.
The mission calls for increased efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
"The Russian Federation's full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago resulted in a horrific litany of violations of both international human rights and humanitarian law," Bell emphasized. "Yet, to date, we have seen virtually no efforts to prevent such violations or hold those responsible accountable." Victims, she said, must have access to justice, reparation, and the truth.
Risks of re-displacement
Amid ongoing attacks and severe winter conditions The risks of further displacement are also growing. According to new data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), approximately 325,000 Ukrainians who have already returned to their homelands may leave their homes again in the coming months, with more than a third of them considering leaving the country.
“After four years of war, families will not have enough resilience alone to survive another winter "With power outages and bitter cold," said IOM Director General Amy Pope. "Safe housing, reliable energy, and basic services are not luxuries, but the foundation of security, survival, and human dignity."
As of January 2026, 3.7 million people were internally displaced. More than 4.4 million people who fled their homes since February 2022 have returned, including over one million who arrived from abroad. However, not all who crossed the border were able to return home—372,000 people remain internally displaced.
Amid temperatures reaching -20 degrees Celsius and ongoing power outages across the country, many Ukrainians are once again forced to consider relocation. In frontline areas, people report shortages of generators and repair materials, and psychological stress remains high.
Since 2022, the International Organization for Migration has provided direct or indirect assistance to 6.9 million people within the country, as well as to millions in 11 neighboring countries. The IOM emphasizes that without timely support during the winter, power outages could further push families to move and undermine recovery efforts.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.