Ukraine
As of February 2026, the human rights landscape in Ukraine is defined by the ongoing Russian invasion, now entering its fifth year. While the most severe and systematic violations occur in Russian-occupied territories and through aerial warfare, the Ukrainian government also faces scrutiny over civil liberties under prolonged martial law.
The current situation is categorized by several critical areas of concern:
1. Civilian Toll and Aerial Warfare
Reports from early 2026 indicate that 2025 was the deadliest year for civilians since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Casualty Spike: The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission (HRMMU) reported that civilian casualties in 2025 were 31% higher than in 2024. Over 15,000 civilians have been killed since the conflict began.
Energy Infrastructure: Systematic Russian strikes on the power grid have left millions without reliable heating or water during the 2025–2026 winter, where temperatures reached -20°C. In January 2026 alone, over 1,100 multi-story buildings in Kyiv were left without central heating.
Weaponry: There has been a documented increase in the use of short-range drones and loitering munitions to deliberately target civilians in frontline regions like Kherson and Donetsk.
2. Violations in Russian-Occupied Territories
Human rights organizations continue to document "grave crimes" in areas under Russian control:
Torture and Executions: Evidence persists of systematic torture of both Prisoners of War (POWs) and civilian detainees. The UN documented a rise in the execution of captured Ukrainian soldiers in late 2025.+1
Forced Citizenship: Occupation authorities reportedly coerce residents into acquiring Russian passports by restricting access to healthcare, education, and social services for those who refuse.
Indoctrination: Ukrainian children in these regions are subjected to a Russian curriculum and "patriotic education" designed to suppress Ukrainian identity.
3. Civil Liberties Under Martial Law
The Ukrainian government has maintained martial law since February 2022, which has led to significant domestic debates:
Postponed Elections: In early 2026, the Ukrainian parliament reaffirmed that presidential elections will not be held until martial law is lifted. This has sparked discussions regarding democratic continuity, though most political parties agreed to this postponement in late 2025.
Conscription and Conscientious Objection: As mobilization efforts intensified in late 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that citizens cannot refuse military service on religious grounds during wartime. There are currently roughly 300 active criminal cases against conscientious objectors.
Freedom of Expression: Concerns have been raised regarding government pressure on independent media. In late 2025, the editorial board of Ukrainska Pravda alleged that the Office of the President was pressuring businesses to pull advertising to influence editorial content.
4. Vulnerable Populations and Displacement
Internal Displacement: Approximately 3.7 million people remain internally displaced. Returnees often find themselves displaced again due to the lack of infrastructure and housing.
Older Persons: People over 60, who make up 25% of the population, accounted for nearly half of civilian deaths in frontline communities in 2025, often because they lack the mobility or resources to evacuate.
Gender-Based Violence: The Prosecutor General’s Office reported an 80% increase in domestic violence cases in 2025 compared to 2023, attributed to war-related trauma, economic instability, and displacement.