Ukraine's prosecutor-general has accused Russia of committing genocide through its sustained attacks on the country's energy infrastructure. Andriy Kostin told the BBC that the strikes targeted 'the full Ukrainian nation' and were an attempt to force Kyiv into surrender.
The term genocide, as defined by the UN Genocide Convention, involves the intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group. Mr Kostin cited the forced deportation of 11,000 Ukrainian children to Russia as further evidence of genocidal intent. Russia denies such aims.
Millions of Ukrainians are enduring power cuts in freezing weather following the attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky said 14 regions and the capital Kyiv remain under electricity usage restrictions. Officials reported that Kherson has been fully resupplied after its recapture by Ukrainian forces earlier this month.
Mr Kostin noted that his office is investigating over 49,000 reported war crimes and crimes of aggression since Russia's full-scale invasion began on 24 February. He called for the creation of an international tribunal supported by countries opposing the invasion to hold Russia accountable. Meanwhile, the head of Ukraine's state nuclear company, Energoatom, said there are indications Russian forces may be preparing to leave the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, but cautioned that no evidence of a departure has yet emerged.
