Fact Check: "Both Ukraine and Russia have intentionally targeted civilian infrastructure to purposely cause civilian casualties."
What We Know
During the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, there have been numerous documented instances of attacks on civilian infrastructure. The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has reported that the Russian military has conducted deliberate attacks against civilian targets, leading to significant civilian casualties. For instance, as of April 2022, the UN confirmed that 92.3% of documented civilian casualties were attributed to the actions of the Russian armed forces, which included the use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in populated areas (OHCHR).
Reports indicate that Russian forces have used cluster bombs and other indiscriminate weapons, resulting in high civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure (OHCHR). By 2023, it was assessed that 90.5% of civilian deaths were caused by such attacks, primarily in Ukrainian-held territories (OHCHR).
Conversely, while evidence of intentional targeting by Russian forces is substantial, claims regarding Ukraine's targeting of civilian infrastructure are less clear. There have been allegations of Ukrainian forces conducting strikes that resulted in civilian casualties, but these claims often lack the same level of documentation and corroboration as those against Russia. For example, Human Rights Watch has reported on Russian attacks that violate international law, but similar comprehensive investigations into Ukrainian actions are less prevalent (Human Rights Watch).
Analysis
The evidence regarding Russian attacks on civilians is robust and well-documented. Multiple sources, including the UN and Human Rights Watch, have consistently reported on the deliberate nature of these attacks and their implications under international law. The use of cluster munitions and the targeting of civilian areas without legitimate military objectives have been highlighted as potential war crimes (Human Rights Watch, OHCHR).
In contrast, while there are claims of Ukrainian forces causing civilian casualties, these claims are often less substantiated. Reports of Ukrainian strikes that resulted in civilian harm typically do not demonstrate a systematic or intentional targeting of civilians akin to the documented Russian actions. The lack of comprehensive investigations into Ukrainian military operations makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about their conduct in the same manner as for Russian forces.
Moreover, the context of warfare often complicates the analysis of civilian casualties. Both sides have engaged in military operations in densely populated areas, which increases the risk of civilian harm. However, the evidence suggests a significant disparity in the intent and frequency of attacks on civilian infrastructure between the two nations.
Conclusion
The claim that both Ukraine and Russia have intentionally targeted civilian infrastructure to purposely cause civilian casualties is Partially True. While there is overwhelming evidence that Russian forces have systematically targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure, the evidence regarding Ukraine's actions is less clear and less substantiated. The documented instances of Russian attacks far outweigh those against Ukraine, and the intent behind these actions appears to differ significantly.
