The first year of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has resulted in the "most massive" human rights violations, according to the head of the United Nations.
The war "has unleashed widespread death, destruction, and displacement," U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a speech to the U.N.-backed Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, as they marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
TIMELINE OF RUSSIA'S YEARLONG WAR IN UKRAINE
Russia's war in Ukraine has left incalculable damage and destruction on Ukraine and its civilians. Russian forces turned once-thriving cities into rubble, while some Ukrainians living under Russian control have been subjected to execution-style killings, mass burials, sexual violence, and torture. Thousands of war crimes have been reported, while the U.S. recently concluded that Russian troops have committed crimes against humanity.
"Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure have caused many casualties and terrible suffering. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has documented dozens of cases of conflict-related sexual violence against men, women, and girls," he stated. "And serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law against prisoners of war — and hundreds of cases of enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions of civilians — were also documented."
His comments come days after the world recognized the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion. Western leaders expressed their continued support for Kyiv as they seek to recapture Russian-occupied territory within their borders, while Russian officials seek to gain more ground.
Russia launched strikes in Ukraine on Monday. Ukraine’s military said Russia launched 14 Iranian-made Shahed drones, 11 of which were shot down, leaving at least one dead. Russia and Iran's relationship has blossomed during the war, and U.S. officials revealed more insight into their strategic partnership last week.
"We have additional information that Iran's support for Russia's war is expanding. In November, Iran shipped artillery and tank rounds to Russia for use in Ukraine. Russia is planning to cooperate with Iran to obtain more military equipment in return," National Security Council coordinator John Kirby told reporters on Friday. "Russia has been offering Iran unprecedented defense cooperation including on missiles, electronics, and air defense. We believe that Russia might provide Iran with fighter jets."
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"Iran is also seeking to purchase additional military equipment from Russia, including attack helicopters, radars, and combat trainer aircraft. In total, Iran is seeking billions of dollars worth of military equipment from Russia," he added.
The administration has also warned earlier this month that China is considering providing Russia with lethal aid, though officials have been clear that they have not seen Beijing conduct such actions, just that they are contemplating them. U.S. officials have publicly warned of "consequences" should China cross this line.