(Kyiv, February 4, 2026) - Civilians in Ukraine experienced serious conflict-related violations over the past year, with more targeted and indiscriminate Russian attacks driving up civilian deaths, injuries, and destruction, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2026. 

Millions of Ukrainians remain displaced inside and outside the country, many struggling to access essential services or earn a living. Russian forces continue to carry out systematic torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) and civilians, abuses that constitute war crimes and potential crimes against humanity. In occupied areas, Russian authorities stepped up efforts to entrench their control and impose Russian laws, in violation of international law.

"2025 was the deadliest year for civilians in Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, while the U.S.-initiated peace efforts have not brought any critical breakthroughs," said Yulia Gorbunova, senior Ukraine researcher at Human Rights Watch. "Any diplomatic path to ending the war in Ukraine must center justice and the protection of civilians, and no amnesty should be granted for grave crimes committed during this war."

In the 529-page World Report 2026, its 36th edition, Human Rights Watch reviews human rights practices inmore than100 countries. In his introductory essay, Executive Director Philippe Bolopion writes that breaking the authoritarian wave sweeping the world is the challenge of a generation. With the human rights system under unprecedented threat from the Trump administration and other global powers, Bolopion calls on rights-respecting democracies and civil society to build a strategic alliance to defend fundamental freedoms.

"Ukraine's democratic and rule of law institutions should be safeguarded in times of war and in times of peace," Gorbunova said. "Protecting due process, independent journalism, and robust anti-corruption mechanisms is vital to the country's resilience and its EU integration."

Any peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia should prioritize justice and accountability, Human Rights Watch said.

In November, the European Commission rated Ukraine's reform progress as the best in three years, and recommended further steps, though progress on EU accession remained stalled due to Hungary blocking talks.

Source: Human Rights Watch