‘Four interminable and agonising years’: UN rights chief

Volker Turk, the UN human rights chief, says “civilian casualties have soared” as the world marks the fourth anniversary of the war. “Russia’s systematic attacks on Ukraine’s energy and water infrastructure could amount to international crimes,” Turk said in Geneva. “The fighting needs to end, and I urge a focus on human rights and justice in any ceasefire or peace agreement.” Turk also stressed the need to “increase the cost of breaking international law”, urging countries to demonstrate a greater commitment to accountability for such violations.