Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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November 7, 2025 International law
Experts from the Independent International Commission of Inquiry visited Ukraine from November 2 to November 6. They reported that during the visit, they held meetings with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prosecutor General's Office, the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, as well as with civil society representatives and torture victims.
The visit took place shortly after the Commission presented its report The UN General Assembly stated that Russian authorities had carried out forced evictions and deportations of Ukrainian civilians in a systematic and coordinated manner.
"The Commission concluded that short-range drone attacks on numerous settlements along the right bank of the Dnieper constitute crimes against humanity in the form of murder and forced displacement of population. Furthermore, the deportation or displacement of civilians from the occupied areas of the Zaporizhia region constitutes war crimes," the press release stated.
Since its establishment in 2022, the Commission's experts have visited Ukraine 26 times, as well as conducted working visits to Georgia, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Poland. During their tenure, they have published nine reports and made several oral statements.
"The Commission documented a wide range of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, as well as international crimes, primarily committed by Russian authorities during the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion of Ukraine," the press release states. These violations, the experts report, were committed against both civilians—men, women, children, and the elderly—and military personnel.
According to the Commission, indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks using explosive weapons carried out by Russian armed forces resulted in widespread destruction and numerous civilian casualties.
"These attacks targeted civilian infrastructure receiving special protection, including medical facilities. Russian armed forces often failed to take necessary precautions to avoid harming civilians," the experts report.
The Commission also found that "Russian armed forces and authorities committed a number of war crimes against the civilian population, civilian infrastructure, and members of the Ukrainian armed forces," including the deportation of children and adult civilians, attacks on civilians and infrastructure, the killing of civilians and prisoners of war, and torture and sexual violence.
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As a result of these crimes, according to experts, thousands of people died, many were wounded, maimed, lost their loved ones, and also lost property, housing, and livelihoods.
"The conflict has shattered lives, divided families, and destroyed cultural treasures. The pain and trauma caused by a war of this magnitude will leave deep scars for generations," the press release states.
The commission also investigated violations committed by the Ukrainian authorities. It found that the Ukrainian authorities were responsible for several violations of human rights and humanitarian law, including indiscriminate attacks.
In some cases, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture, ill-treatment, and disappearances of persons accused of “collaboration” were recorded.
The commission also examined other alleged violations committed by the Ukrainian authorities, but was unable to complete the investigations due to lack of access to certain areas, risks to the safety of witnesses, and a lack of response from the Russian authorities.
The Commission aims to promote accountability for crimes and violations committed in order to end impunity and strengthen respect for international law, experts say.
The Commission consistently promotes a broad understanding of accountability, including criminal prosecution and the realization of victims' rights. Particular attention is paid to rehabilitation, mental health protection, and psychosocial support.
"This armed conflict remains complex and widespread, and much remains to be investigated. Within its capabilities and mandate, the Commission will continue to contribute to the process of holding those responsible accountable, ensuring justice and ensuring the rights of all victims are met," the experts stated.
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.