Photo: Depositphotos
The latest World Report 2025, published by the international human rights organisation Human Rights Watch, states that the Kremlin continues its aggressive course aimed at suppressing all forms of dissent within Russia. This is happening against the backdrop of the ongoing and violent war against Ukraine, which has entered its third year.
According to the report, the Russian government has adopted new repressive laws that simplify punishment for those who refuse to support the war against Ukraine and so-called “traditional Russian values”. In addition, the Kremlin has tightened requirements for citizens to support these ideologies.
The report also points to crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine, including indiscriminate bombing and shelling of civilian infrastructure, massive destruction and killing of civilians. These actions are leading to power cuts across Ukraine, creating a humanitarian crisis.
Human Rights Watch draws attention to the exploitation of Russian civilians for terrorist attacks against Ukraine and other serious violations of international law, including the isolation, torture and ill-treatment of thousands of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians.
The organisation called on the Russian authorities to release all political prisoners, repeal repressive laws, stop attacks on civilians and comply with international law. Those responsible for war crimes must be brought to justice and civil society must be allowed to function freely.
