UN Report: Russia Escalates Terror, Mass Human Rights Violations in Ukraine
UN records sharp escalation of Russian terror and widespread human rights violations in Ukraine.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
According to the 43rd periodic report of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), from 1 June to 30 November 2025, the Russian Federation continued systematic and large-scale crimes on Ukrainian territory, requiring a decisive response from the international community.
The report recorded a significant escalation of hostilities and a sharp increase in civilian casualties, with July 2025 being the bloodiest month since April 2022.
Russian forces intensified the use of missiles and long-range drones, launching hundreds of munitions during frequent nighttime attacks. In October 2025, eight large waves of strikes targeted energy facilities across multiple regions, causing regional emergency power outages and prolonged scheduled blackouts throughout Ukraine.
From late May to August 2025, the largest exchange of prisoners of war and detained civilians since 2022 took place, resulting in the release of over 3,000 people from both sides. However, released Ukrainian POWs reported torture, sexual violence, and deaths in detention, especially in facilities on Russian territory. OHCHR also recorded an increase in reports of executions of Ukrainian servicemen captured by Russian forces.
On occupied territories, Russia deported dozens of Ukrainians to Georgia, restricted access to water, with residents in some areas receiving water once every three days or less, and continued expropriation of housing, issuing notices regarding at least 4,500 properties. Summer camps and changes to the 2025–2026 school curriculum intensified militarization and “patriotic education” for children as young as three.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine welcomed the publication of the report and expressed gratitude to the UN for consistent and impartial monitoring of Russia’s large-scale violations of international humanitarian law and human rights.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine emphasizes that the facts outlined in the report demonstrate the systematic, deliberate, and large-scale nature of the crimes committed by the Russian Federation,” the statement reads.
Ukraine called on its partners to strengthen political, economic, and sanctions pressure on Russia, enhance support for the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure, and intensify efforts to secure the release of all unlawfully detained persons.
As The Gaze reported earlier, on December 6, Russia carried out a large-scale overnight attack across Ukraine early on December 6, striking several regions with drones and cruise missiles.
Read more on The Gaze: Russia’s War on Ukraine: An Unprecedented Act of Genocide Targeting Ukraine’s National Identity and Existence