Targeted and indiscriminate Russian attacks have significantly increased civilian deaths, injuries, and the widespread destruction of essential infrastructure across the entire country. The year 2025 was the deadliest year for civilians since the full-scale invasion began, says says Human Rights in its World Report 2026.
Furthermore, millions of Ukrainians remain displaced both inside and outside the borders while struggling to access basic services or earn a sustainable living.
This comprehensive 529-page document reviews human rights practices across more than 100 countries and identifies severe conflict-related violations throughout the past year.
Systematic Torture and Illegal Occupation
Russian forces continue to carry out systematic torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians in occupied regions of Ukraine. These severe abuses constitute documented war crimes and potential crimes against humanity that demand urgent international attention and accountability from global legal bodies.
In occupied areas, Russian authorities have intensified their efforts to entrench control by imposing Russian laws in direct violation of international law. Senior Ukraine researcher Yulia Gorbunova stated that U.S.-initiated peace efforts have failed to bring any critical breakthroughs for the ongoing regional conflict.
The Path Toward Justice and Accountability
Gorbunova emphasised that any diplomatic path toward ending the war must prioritise justice and protection for civilians without granting amnesty for crimes.
Executive Director Philippe Bolopion argues that breaking the authoritarian wave sweeping the world is the primary challenge for this current generation of leaders. He calls for a strategic alliance between rights-respecting democracies and civil society to defend fundamental freedoms against threats from various global powers. Consequently, the human rights system faces unprecedented threats that require a unified response from the international community to protect vulnerable populations globally.
Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine
The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has officially documented at least 14,534 civilian deaths since the full-scale invasion began. Furthermore, civilian casualties rose by twenty-seven percent during the first ten months of 2025 compared with the exact same period in 2024.
This increase highlights a dangerous trend where targeted and indiscriminate Russian attacks continue to drive up death tolls and injuries across the country. The World Report 2026 identifies 2025 as the deadliest year for civilians. This marks the most lethal period since the start of Russia’s full-scale military invasion.
War Crimes and Targeted Infrastructure Attacks
Russian drone operators deliberately targeted civilians with short-range drones in the Khersonska and Donetska regions, which constitutes serious and punishable war crimes. In addition, Russian forces escalated their attacks on energy infrastructure while extensively using antipersonnel mines throughout various regions of Ukraine during the year. Ukraine also used antipersonnel mines, including specific types received from the United States in 2024, despite the global ban on these weapons.
These actions have left millions of Ukrainians struggling to access essential services. They are living under the constant threat of military violence.
Abuse in Occupied Territories and Detention
The Russian authorities currently hold thousands of Ukrainian prisoners of war and unlawfully detained civilians in inhumane conditions with systematic torture and ill-treatment.
Occupation authorities in seized areas coerced residents. They restricted access to essential healthcare, education, and other vital services to force residents to acquire Russian citizenship. Moreover, Russian officials unlawfully conscript Ukrainians into the military. They impose a Russian curriculum. Children are subjected to intense political indoctrination in schools. These authorities also unlawfully seized thousands of private properties, further entrenching their control in direct violation of established international law.
Displacement and the Legal Path to Justice
Approximately 3.7 million Ukrainians remain internally displaced within the country, while another 5.7 million live abroad as refugees, mostly within Europe. The European Union extended temporary protection until March 2027. However, financial and social support for these refugees is expected to decline gradually.
In the United States, the recent suspension of the Uniting for Ukraine program had significant consequences. It left many individuals at risk of losing their legal status. Ukraine became the 125th state party to the International Criminal Court in January. However, Ukraine temporarily limited jurisdiction over its own nationals.
Domestic Stability and Anti-Corruption Efforts
High-level corruption scandals have fueled domestic instability within the Ukrainian government during this conflict. Threats against anti-corruption activists and journalists have exacerbated the situation.
The government attempted to weaken two key anti-corruption bodies. Authorities eventually rolled back the legislation. This occurred after significant domestic and international outcry. Senior researcher Yulia Gorbunova stated that protecting due process is vital to the country’s resilience. Robust anti-corruption mechanisms are essential for EU integration. Therefore, any future peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia must prioritise justice. Accountability is also crucial to ensure a lasting and fair resolution.
Questions and Answers Regarding the Ukraine Situation
Q: Why was 2025 considered a turning point in the conflict according to Human Rights Watch?
The year 2025 was the deadliest for civilians. This was due to a significant increase in targeted and indiscriminate Russian military attacks.
Q: What is the current status of international peace efforts involving the United States? Despite various U.S.-initiated peace efforts, the report indicates that no critical breakthroughs were achieved to resolve the conflict during the past year.
Q: What specific legal violations are being reported in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine?
Authorities are illegally imposing Russian laws and carrying out systematic torture against civilians and prisoners of war, which constitute serious war crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many countries are reviewed in the Human Rights Watch World Report 2026?
The 36th edition of the World Report provides a detailed review of human rights practices. It also documents violations in more than 100 different countries.
What does Yulia Gorbunova say about amnesty for war crimes?
Yulia Gorbunova insists that no amnesty should be granted for grave crimes. Justice must be the centre of any diplomatic path.
What is the “challenge of a generation” mentioned by Philippe Bolopion?
Executive Director Philippe Bolopion highlights a crucial issue. Breaking the current authoritarian wave sweeping across the globe is the most significant challenge. This is a challenge for the current generation.
How are displaced Ukrainians currently coping according to the report?
Millions of displaced individuals are currently struggling to access essential services. They are also trying to find ways to earn a living inside and outside of Ukraine.