The following statement was issued by Commissioner O'Flaherty:
"In recent weeks and days, the Russian Federation has intensified its attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, particularly energy infrastructure. Following large-scale strikes in Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv and Lviv last week, further attacks are reported in Odesa, Chernihiv, Kharkiv and several other oblasts. These daily strikes are severely hindering repair efforts and leaving millions of civilians without essential services amid freezing winter temperatures.
I condemn these attacks and deplore the resulting loss of life and the injuries inflicted upon civilians, including children. According to recently published United Nations data, 2025 was the deadliest for civilians in Ukraine since 2022 with 2.514 killed and 12.142 injured.
I am alarmed by the widespread human suffering caused by the destruction of energy infrastructure in Ukraine.
The humanitarian consequences of prolonged power outages are grave. Across Ukraine, access to basic utilities is being severed: access to heating and water supply is interrupted, and the ability of hospitals and healthcare facilities to function is under threat. The loss of access to communication and electricity-powered public transport isolates people and disrupts their daily lives. Together, these conditions place an immense strain on the physical and mental health, dignity and safety of the Ukrainian people. I would like to draw particular attention to the plight of those most at risk, including older persons, people with disabilities, the sick and families with children, who are facing life-threatening risks due to exposure to extreme cold in a dire humanitarian context.
I commend the Ukrainian authorities and emergency services for their tireless efforts to restore the conditions necessary for civilian life.
I reiterate: attacks against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure must cease immediately, and those responsible must be held to account. In this regard, I recall that the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian military commanders concerning attacks on Ukraine’s electricity infrastructure, among other charges.
I pay tribute to the extraordinary resilience of the Ukrainian people. However, resilience alone is not enough. I urge all Council of Europe member states to intensify their vital support by providing immediate humanitarian funding and assistance. This includes support for emergency housing, power hubs where people can warm up and access electricity, generators and alternative energy sources, and essential supplies such as food and warm clothing. The international community's continued solidarity with the people of Ukraine is critical in these difficult times."