Russia committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine by intentionally attacking energy infrastructure, a UN-backed inquiry reported Monday. The Associated Press and CNN covered the findings. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine said the attacks left millions without electricity and heat in freezing weather.

The panel said the strikes were carried out with intent and matched a state policy to deprive civilians of essential energy and cause suffering. Russian commanders ordering the attacks knew heating facilities were indispensable, the report said. Attacks on power systems began early in the war and surged last winter.

The inquiry also found evidence that Russia recruited men from 29 countries into its armed forces through deception or coercion. Moscow rejects the commission's mandate and denies targeting civilians. The pages did not show a fresh Russian legal reply to this specific report.

Ukrainian officials said the findings match what cities have endured through blackouts. Aid groups warned another winter of grid strikes would deepen civilian harm. The commission reports to UN bodies and cannot itself issue criminal warrants.

What we know: The UN-backed panel called Russia's energy-grid campaign war crimes and crimes against humanity.
What we don't: Whether any new international court cases will flow from this report.