The UK on Wednesday accused Russia of violating international humanitarian law in its ongoing war against Ukraine, citing UN findings of war crimes including rape, sexual violence, and torture, as well as repeated large-scale attacks on Ukraine’s electricity infrastructure.

During a meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna, UK Counsellor Ankur Narayan referred to evidence from the UN and other international bodies of key violations by Russia. These allegations included war crimes and infrastructure attacks, as well as Moscow’s rejection of other states’ sovereign rights to choose alliances, the imposition of military dominance, and the illegal stationing of Russian troops in Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova.

Given that the conference was held to mark the 30th year of the OSCE’s Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security, Narayan focused on Russia’s obligation under the code to ensure its armed and security forces abide by international law. He stated:

There is irrefutable independent evidence of Russia violating international law, including international humanitarian law. As per the Code, such breaches are a ‘direct and legitimate’ concern for us all. This is why we again demand that Russia withdraws fully and unconditionally from the whole territory of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders. We demand independent and impartial investigations into all allegations of violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of international human rights law. The victims deserve justice.

Narayan drew on reporting from the UN to back the UK’s claims. Firstly, he pointed to a report by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission, which found that large-scale attacks by Russian forces on Ukraine’s electricity infrastructure have caused severe hardship for civilians. Secondly, he addressed the documented cases of sexual violence and torture, citing a March 2024 report from the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. On his last point, Narayan condemned Russia’s treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war. He referenced several findings from the UN. A recent finding from the UN showed that Ukrainian war prisoners were subjected to “widespread and systematic torture and ill-treatment.”  Narayan added that Russia must adhere to its obligations under the Geneva Conventions to treat Ukrainian war prisoners humanely.

More than two years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it continues to occupy large swaths of the country. While Ukraine has received significant financial aid from its allies, Russia continues to bombard Ukrainian cities and blockade its ports. The UK’s latest condemnation of Russia comes as Ukraine prepares for another challenging winter. Its energy infrastructure has been severely weakened by continuous Russian attacks.

Narayan also warned of Belarus’s complicity in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, accusing it of violating the OSCE Code of Conduct by allowing Russian forces to launch attacks from its territory.