CIVIC Urges Russia to Cease Unlawful Attacks Against Ukraine’s Critical Infrastructure

“Currently, there is not a single person in Kyiv who is not affected by these ongoing attacks on critical infrastructure. Instead of preparing for the winter, people are scrambling to stock up on basic supplies like water and food as they brace themselves for more power cuts.   We call on Russia to demonstrate how – if at all – it has accounted for what seems to be a disproportionate effect on civilians already suffering from daily power cuts. World leaders must do everything in their power to minimize harm to civilians affected by this conflict. Russia should demonstrate with verifiable and accessible evidence how their attacks abide by international humanitarian law, including principles of precaution and proportionality, or to cease them immediately.  Allowing a country to attack another country’s critical infrastructure without legal justification and consideration for the effects on the civilian population cannot become the new normal!  Our message is clear: all parties to the conflict have an obligation to protect civilians from harm and should take all possible measures to protect and spare civilian lives as well as civilian infrastructure.”