The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine welcomes the publication of the 42nd periodic report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the human rights situation in our country, prepared by the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU).
The report covers the period from 1 December 2024 to 31 May 2025 and reflects a significant escalation in Russian shelling across the entire territory of Ukraine, resulting in numerous civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. The Mission confirmed the deaths of 968 and injuries to 4,807 civilians — a 37% increase compared to the same period last year.
Particularly egregious is Russia’s practice of directly targeting medical facilities — at least five hospitals were shelled during the reporting period, some of them repeatedly. Such actions constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law and may qualify as war crimes.
The Monitoring Mission draws attention to a disturbing trend of Russia recruiting children through social media and involving them in sabotage activities on Ukrainian territory. These acts include incitement to commit arson and plant explosive devices, targeting both military and civilian objects. Some children have died, others have been detained. This is yet another manifestation of Russia’s cynical war against civilians, undermining the very foundations of child protection in armed conflict.
The report also documents the continued mass violations by the Russian Federation of the rights of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian hostages. At least 35 cases of extrajudicial executions of Ukrainian servicemen were recorded, along with numerous accounts of torture, ill-treatment, sexual violence, and inhumane detention conditions — all pointing to the systemic nature of these crimes.
Equally important is the information on Russia’s deliberate efforts to suppress Ukrainian culture and identity in the temporarily occupied territories. Documented cases include the mass unlawful expropriation of property belonging to internally displaced Ukrainians — a violation of international law and clear evidence of Russia’s deliberate policy aimed at altering the demographic composition of temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscores that the horrific crimes committed by Russia, as documented by the OHCHR, demand a resolute response from the international community. We call for increased pressure and isolation of Russia, enhanced support for Ukraine, strengthened efforts to protect civilians, and the release of all unlawfully detained persons. We emphasize the need to hold Russia fully accountable for all crimes committed.
Ukrainian state authorities are carefully studying the proposals and recommendations made by the Monitoring Mission in order to ensure full compliance with international human rights obligations.