Statement by Erik Møse, Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, at the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council

Distinguished President, 
Excellencies,

Together with my colleague Vrinda Grover, I am presenting this oral update on the progress of the investigations of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine during its fifth mandate from 31 March 2026.

Four and a half years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, the armed conflict continues with devastating consequences. Over 17,000 civilians have been killed and almost 54,000 injured in Ukraine during this period, according to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Between January and September 2026, the escalation of attacks by the Russian Federation using long-range weapons in populated areas has led to a 55 per cent increase in civilian casualties compared to the same period in 2025.

A growing number of attacks by Ukrainian armed forces on Russian territory and occupied areas has led to a reported increase of civilian casualties and damage or destruction of civilian objects, according to Russian sources. However, lack of access has hindered investigation of these incidents.

Civilian casualties from attacks by short-range drones near the frontline have also risen. Russian media channels continue to post videos and texts that show the intentional targeting of civilians by drones and even brag about it. The Commission recalls that in its reports from 2025, it concluded that Russian armed forces’ systematic attacks using short-range drones along the right bank of the Dnipro River amounted to crimes against humanity and were committed with the purpose of spreading terror among the civilian population, in violation of international humanitarian law.

Further, with winter approaching, the Commission is worried about the adverse impact on living conditions of civilians due to the extensive damage or destruction of Ukraine’s energy-related installations caused by the systematic waves of attacks by the Russian armed forces since October 2022.

Being independent and impartial, the Commission continues its efforts to investigate incidents and violations on both sides of the frontline. During this mandate, the Commission has so far focused on the impact on civilians of large-scale attacks targeting energy infrastructure; the patriotic and military education imposed on children; and the recruitment of foreigners to fight in the armed conflict.

We extend our gratitude to all who have shared valuable information with us, including the Government of Ukraine, organisations, and persons affected by the armed conflict.

The Commission regrets that the Russian Federation did not respond to 41 communications addressed to it since 2022 with detailed questions concerning its investigations.

Distinguished President, 
Excellencies,

During the harsh winter of 2025-2026, as temperatures plunged to minus 20 degrees Celsius, the Russian armed forces continued to launch waves of attacks targeting Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure. More power installations, transmission lines, heat supply facilities, and gas facilities have been damaged or destroyed. Millions of civilians suffered due to drastic electricity cuts, shortages or total absence of heating for weeks.

In interviews with the Commission, civilians described how the temperatures in their apartments dropped to levels where many developed health problems, including psychological conditions. The Ukrainian authorities documented cold-related deaths and injuries. Those who had the possibility, relocated during the coldest months.

The Commission has also followed reports concerning attacks by Ukrainian armed forces on infrastructure in the Russian Federation and in Russian controlled areas of Ukraine.

Turning to occupied areas of Ukraine, the Commission has investigated the imposition of Russian patriotic and military education on Ukrainian children. Since 2022, the Russian Federation has strengthened and systematically emphasised patriotic education in its own curriculum, which it has extended to the occupied areas. Classes and programmes devoted to patriotic lectures about the Russian Federation have been added and made compulsory, including for children as young as three years in pre-school. Ukrainian children in occupied areas are forced to enrol in schools which follow the Russian curriculum, with teachings glorifying the Russian Federation. Non-compliance is met with threats and coercion.

Modules on practical military training teaching children to handle and use weapons and perform military drills are part of the mandatory curriculum for children starting at age fourteen. State-sponsored Russian youth organisations that further reinforce patriotic indoctrination and specialised military training have increased their presence in occupied territories, including in schools. Teachers exert pressure on children to join such organisations.

Exposure to patriotic and military training has a profound impact on children. Some find this system unbearable, choose to flee to territories under Ukrainian Government control, often alone, and encounter considerable security risks and hardships.

A third area of the Commission’s ongoing investigations is the recruitment of foreign nationals to fight in the armed conflict. Some joined both armed forces knowingly and voluntarily. Many others were deceived or coerced into joining the Russian armed forces. The Commission has deepened its investigations into this second group. We note that several States, including members of this Council, have not yet responded to our questions.

Foreign nationals from various countries in different continents through a network of agents and intermediaries have been lured into serving in the Russian armed forces. They were promised lucrative civilian jobs, provided with tickets and visas, and were met by agents at Russian airports. Shortly after arrival, they were compelled to sign contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence. The vast majority did not understand Russian or the terms of these contracts and soon found themselves serving on the frontlines in Ukraine.

Some foreigners who were present in the Russian Federation, including persons serving prison sentences, were coerced by Russian authorities to join the armed forces fighting in Ukraine.

Many among the recruits died shortly after reaching the frontlines, went missing, were injured, or were captured by Ukrainian armed forces. The families are left with the agonising task of searching for their loved ones from afar, often without much assistance. The recruiting agents usually block their calls.

As the armed conflict continues, the Commission is concerned by its ongoing severe physical and psychological consequences, as well as other impact of the destruction, and the grave hardships imposed on the victims and their families. It reiterates the importance of judicial and non-judicial accountability, including multifaceted support to the victims.

Thank you