We'll be pausing our live coverage of the war in Ukraine shortly. But before we go, here's a recap of today's main developments:
The Europe director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said the UN health body had documented more than 700 attacks on
health infrastructure since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began
Speaking in Kyiv, Dr Hans Kluge called the
attacks a “breach of international humanitarian law and the rules of war” and warned that millions of Ukrainians would face "life-threatening" conditions over the winter
Dr Kluge called for
a “humanitarian health corridor” to ensure supplies can reach those who need
them most, and said that the only sustainable solution for Ukraine’s
health system was for the war to be brought to an end
Earlier, Ukrainian prosecutors gave details of what
they found in four alleged torture chambers in Kherson after Russian troops
left the city
They say people were “brutally tortured” and that batons,
bullets and an electrocution device were discovered – though Russia denies committing
abuses during its invasion
Elsewhere, UN experts were today due to assess damage around the
Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, following renewed shelling in the area over the
weekend. Russia and Ukraine both blame each other for the attacks
Today's coverage was brought to you by Nathan Williams, Emily McGarvey, Marita Moloney, Aoife Walsh, James FitzGerald, Laura Gozzi, Oliver Slow, Chris Giles and Malu Cursino.
Ukraine faces 'largest attack on healthcare since Second World War'
Jessica Parker
Reporting from Kyiv
Ukraine is facing the “largest attack on healthcare on European
soil since the Second World War”, according to a senior World Health Organisation (WHO) official.
The WHO's regional director for Europe, Dr
Hans Kluge, was speaking at a press conference in Kyiv this afternoon.
The WHO defines an attack as: “Any act of verbal or physical
violence, threat of violence or other psychological violence, or obstruction
that interferes with the availability, access and delivery of curative and/or
preventive health services.”
Answering a question from the BBC, Dr Kluge spoke of the damage to
the country’s energy infrastructure and warned of a “brutal winter” ahead - saying “temperatures can plummet.”
“A lot of people die from the cold, mainly from stroke, from heart
attack and from respiratory infections," he added.
Dr Kluge said the WHO had verified 703 attacks on health
infrastructure since the war began.
Officials say it’s not up to them to decide whether these "attacks"
were deliberate or who committed them – but the figure includes everything
from hospitals to ambulances and medical supplies.
In pictures: Snowy scenes in the Kyiv region
As we’ve been reporting, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that Ukraine’s health
service faces a tough winter ahead.
With temperatures currently at around 0C in some places, here’s a look at some snowy scenes in the Kyiv region.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
A woman pushes a child through snow in Borodyanka, to the north-west of KyivImage caption: A woman pushes a child through snow in Borodyanka, to the north-west of Kyiv
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
A derelict building in the same town, which was occupied by Russian forces at the start of the warImage caption: A derelict building in the same town, which was occupied by Russian forces at the start of the war
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Much of Ukraine - such as Kyiv, pictured - is struggling with access to electricity, following a series of Russian attacks on the country’s power gridImage caption: Much of Ukraine - such as Kyiv, pictured - is struggling with access to electricity, following a series of Russian attacks on the country’s power grid
Were captive Russian soldiers shot after surrendering?
BBCCopyright: BBC
Russia has accused Ukrainian forces of committing a war crime by killing several Russian soldiers in eastern Ukraine.
The incident happened on or before Saturday 12 November in Makiyivka, a village on the front line in Luhansk region.
The BBC has been examining footage of the incident, in which at least 11 Russian soldiers appear to have been killed following their surrender.
Images show the bodies of a number of uniformed soldiers lying on the ground in a farmyard.
By using key elements that appear in both drone footage and images filmed on the ground, the BBC has confirmed that they show the same scene.
Ukraine has said it will investigate the incident.
You can read more about our own investigation here.
How risky is the stand-off over Zaporizhzhia?
As we've been reporting, UN experts were today due to assess damage to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, following repeated shelling in the area over the weekend.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, called it another "close call".
What, then, is the risk to this nuclear plant which houses six reactors - and is Europe facing a Fukushima-type meltdown?
Much of the anxiety has been about the plant coming under fire from artillery shells or rockets.
Ukraine has accused Russian forces of using the facility as a shield from which to fire on nearby cities. Russia denies that is the case, but satellite photos have shown its military is stationed near some of the buildings.
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"Zaporizhzhia was built in the 1980s, which is relatively modern," says Mark Wenman, head of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Nuclear Energy Futures.
He rejects comparisons with either Chernobyl in 1986 or Fukushima in 2011. Chernobyl had serious design flaws, he explains, while at Fukushima the diesel generators were flooded, which he believes would not happen in Ukraine, as the generators are inside the containment building.
After 9/11, nuclear plants were tested for potential attacks involving large airliners, and were found to be largely safe. So damage to a reactor's containment building may not be the biggest hazard.
More worrying could be a potential loss of power supply to the nuclear reactors. If that happened and the diesel back-up generators failed, that would lead to a loss of coolant. With no electricity to power the pumps around the hot reactor core, the fuel would start to melt.
One dead as Kherson hit by shelling - Ukraine official
EPACopyright: EPA
One person has died and three people have been injured after shelling hit Ukraine's recently recaptured city of Kherson, a senior Ukrainian official says.
Russia withdrew its troops from the port city earlier this month, the only regional capital Moscow's forces had taken since February.
However, Kyiv remains cautious following Russia's retreat - warning that the war "is not over".
Presidential aide Kyrylo Tymoshenko writes on the Telegram messaging app that all four of the victims in Kherson were taken to the regional hospital - and that one died.
WHO calls for 'humanitarian health corridor'
Dave Bull/BBCCopyright: Dave Bull/BBC
The WHO's Europe director, Hans Kluge, is on a visit to KvivImage caption: The WHO's Europe director, Hans Kluge, is on a visit to Kviv
Dr Kluge of the WHO also calls for a “humanitarian health corridor” to be
created to all areas of Ukraine newly regained by Kyiv, as well as those occupied by Russian forces.
He says the war has impacted access to healthcare, as well
as supply lines for the flow of humanitarian aid. He adds that the WHO and its
partners would be “ready to mobilise at a moment’s notice”.
A humanitarian health corridor is a space or route created that allows
crucial supplies to be sent to areas that are hard to reach.
Dr Kluge expressed particular concern for 17,000 HIV patients
in Donetsk - who he says may soon run out of critical antiretroviral drugs that
keep them alive.
Ukraine's health system facing darkest days - WHO
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
The WHO says Ukraine's health system could face its biggest challenge during the winterImage caption: The WHO says Ukraine's health system could face its biggest challenge during the winter
A bit more now from the WHO's Dr Hans Kluge - who warns that Ukraine's
health system is "facing its darkest days in the war so far", and that the best solution is for the conflict to end.
This comes amid a caution that people are more likely to pick up viral
respiratory infections during the winter than in other seasons, particularly as Omicron sub-variants of Covid-19 circulate in Ukraine.
"With low basic vaccination rates – let alone boosters – millions
of Ukrainians have waning or no immunity to Covid," he says.
Adding to the worry is an "expected surge" in seasonal flu, as well as
difficulties in accessing health services - all of which "could spell disaster for
vulnerable people".
As well as calling for short-term solutions to ensure healthcare services can
continue, Kluge says the only sustainable solution is for the conflict to be
brought to a halt.
"This war must
end, before the health system and the health of the Ukrainian nation are
compromised any further," he says.
700 attacks on health infrastructure since war began - WHO
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says it has documented 703 attacks
on health infrastructure since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began.
In a speech in Kyiv, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P
Kluge, says such attacks are a "breach of international humanitarian law
and the rules of war".
He adds that due to the attacks on health and energy infrastructure, hundreds of hospitals and healthcare facilities are "no longer fully
operational, lacking fuel, water and electricity to meet basic needs".
"Maternity wards need incubators. Blood banks need refrigerators.
Intensive care beds need ventilators. And all require energy," he says.
He adds that the aim of his trip is to focus the world’s attention on
the situation, to meet with relevant officials, and to offer his gratitude to
Ukraine’s doctors, nurses and health workers.
Kluge says that 10 million people in Ukraine - a quarter of the population
- are without power, a situation that was particularly dangerous with
temperatures expected to plummet to -20C.
"Cold weather can kill," he comments, adding that desperate
families are being forced to turn to alternative heating methods - such as
burning charcoal or wood or using generators by diesel or electric heaters -
which could bring health risks.
He says he
expects two to three million people to leave their homes in search of warmth
and safety, adding that those who do so will face "unique health
challenges", including respiratory illnesses such as Covid, pneumonia and
flu.
Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant 'at risk of a nuclear accident'
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
The head of Russia's Rosatom atomic corporation Alexei LikhachevImage caption: The head of Russia's Rosatom atomic corporation Alexei Likhachev
Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is "at risk of a nuclear accident" the head of Russia's Rosatom atomic corporation has warned.
"The plant has been designated as being at risk of an atomic accident. We have been in talks with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) all night," Alexei Likhachev told media on 21 November, as reported by Russia's Interfax news agency.
The nuclear power chief has accused Ukraine’s army of shelling the plant, claiming there had been "no fewer than 30" hits over the weekend.
"They are hitting the spent nuclear fuel storage, the special-purpose block, lines of transportation, reserve diesel generators have been damaged," Likhachev said.
Both sides have accused each other of shelling the plant since Russian forces captured it in March.
Nato must protect Ukraine from 'Russian sabotage' at nuclear facilities - Zelensky
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Nato
members to guarantee the protection of the country’s nuclear facilities.
In a video address to Nato’s Parliamentary Assembly
in Madrid, he said: "All our nations are interested in not having any
dangerous incidents at our nuclear facilities. We all need guaranteed
protection from Russian sabotage at nuclear facilities."
Zelensky also used his speech to continue his calls
for Ukraine to be accepted as full Nato and EU members.
“We urge you to support our applications for membership to the EU
and to Nato,” adding that he was “certain” that Ukraine can reinstate its
borders.
In pictures: Detention centres in Kherson
As we've been reporting, Ukrainian officials say they are inspecting locations in
Kherson where Russian troops allegedly tortured local residents before its troops withdrew from the southern Ukrainian city earlier this month.
The following pictures claim to show what it was like inside of some of the sites said to have been used by Russia for interrogations, detentions and torture.
Russia has repeatedly denied carrying out atrocities during the war.
We don't know if these pictures show the same sites as those identified by
Ukraine today.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
A Ukrainian police officer stands inside a detention centre in KhersonImage caption: A Ukrainian police officer stands inside a detention centre in Kherson
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
A view of damage at a police station where the detainees were allegedly tortured and ill-treated by Russian forces in KhersonImage caption: A view of damage at a police station where the detainees were allegedly tortured and ill-treated by Russian forces in Kherson
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Inside a cell at a preliminary detention centre which is believed to have been used by Russian forces to jail and torture civiliansImage caption: Inside a cell at a preliminary detention centre which is believed to have been used by Russian forces to jail and torture civilians
Recap: What happened in Kherson?
The allegations of torture in Kherson - mentioned in our last couple of posts - have emerged after Moscow withdrew its troops from the southern city earlier this month.
That move followed a series of setbacks for Russian forces in the region.
They'd occupied Kherson since March. The city remains the only regional capital seized by Russian forces since they invaded in February.
Russia regarded Kherson as its own territory, after announcing the annexation of the wider region following so-called "referendums" in late September. These were denounced as a sham by the international community.
The pull-out from Kherson was widely viewed as a major defeat for the Kremlin.
A barrage of Russian attacks on power facilities across Ukraine followed, with key energy infrastructure targeted by drones and missiles.
Heating and hot water supplies have been interrupted for millions of Ukrainians - just as wintry weather settles on the country.
'Men were screaming in pain'
BBCCopyright: BBC
The BBC last week gained access to an alleged torture chamber in KhersonImage caption: The BBC last week gained access to an alleged torture chamber in Kherson
Fresh details provided by Kyiv about alleged Russian torture sites in Kherson follow a recent BBC report on the matter.
Our correspondent James Waterhouse spoke to two people who said they'd been held for more than a month in “torture chambers” inside a police station, while the
city was occupied by Russia.
Anzhela Slobodian, 49, a TV presenter before Russia’s
invasion, said she was psychologically tortured for more than a month in a
small cell, which she shared with four other women.
“When the person is being tortured with electricity,
you hear it. It is a peculiar sound,” she said, adding: “Men were screaming in
pain.”
The journalist said she couldn’t fall asleep because
the lights were on, and when she was released, she found she couldn’t go to bed
in the dark.
Oleksandr Maksimenko, 69, shared a room with 15
other men, who he claims were relentlessly beaten and tortured. Some were electrocuted.
"It's horrible," he remembers. "One guy who
was brought to the cell after his interrogation came back with a black tongue.
It was so swollen it couldn't go back in his mouth."
Temperatures often reached 40C, he said, and those held captive were
made to learn the Russian national anthem. Oleksandr said he was also forced to appear on Russian
state TV.
Moscow denies committing atrocities during its invasion.
More evidence of torture found in Kherson - Ukrainian officials
Ukrainian officials say prosecutors have inspected four locations in Kherson where Russians troops allegedly tortured local residents while the city was occupied.
The Prosecutor-General's Office said the four locations were remand centres, a police department and an office building - and that people held at those sites were subjected to both physical and psychological torture.
Police seized parts of rubber batons, a wooden club, an electrocution device, an incandescent light bulb and bullets in the walls.
In recent days, Kyiv has accused Moscow's forces of perpetrating abuses on a "horrific" scale.
Today's statement says Ukrainian law enforcement officers continue to collect evidence of what they call "crimes" carried out by the Russian military.
Russia has repeatedly denied carrying out atrocities during the war.
Reality of a bitter winter in Kyiv starts to set in
Catherine Byaruhanga
Reporting from Kyiv
BBCCopyright: BBC
It felt like I was walking through a movie scene in Kyiv the past few days.
Snow covers walkways, empty playgrounds, park benches. A tram trudges uphill past snow-coated trees. This isn’t your fairy-tale Christmas film. It felt slightly darker, moodier.
There are very few people on the streets. A woman and man building a snowman near the Dnipro river are some of the few stopping to enjoy the snow.
BBCCopyright: BBC
As temperatures drop to below 0C, the reality of a bitter winter amid massive power shortages is setting in.
Russian air strikes have damaged nearly 50% of the country’s energy infrastructure, according to the government.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which used to produce more than 25% of Ukraine’s electricity, no longer generates power.
BBCCopyright: BBC
People I meet in Kyiv tell me about showering with cold water now, not being able to make a cup of coffee in the morning, and wearing extra layers to stay warm.
It’s snowing but winter hasn’t officially begun here. When it does, next year temperatures will drop to as much as -20C.
Most people I speak to are determined to stick it out here in Ukraine. That resolve will likely be tested for some.
Russia targets energy plants as winter sets in
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Russian strikes crippled power plants across Ukraine last monthImage caption: Russian strikes crippled power plants across Ukraine last month
As we reported earlier, Ukraine says the shelling at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant over the weekend is part of a campaign by Russia to disrupt the country's power supplies.
It follows recent massive strikes on Ukraine's energy grid which hit regions in the west, centre, south and east on what President Zelensky said was a "very wide" scale.
The wave of Russian missile and drone strikes has crippled almost half of Ukraine's energy system, the Ukrainian prime minister said last week, adding that "the difficult situation with energy supply persists in a total of 17 regions and in the capital".
In response, the head of Ukraine's biggest private energy firm said people should consider leaving the country to reduce demand on the country's power network.
Last month, Zelensky also accused Russia of preparing to blow up a dam at a hydroelectric plant in southern Ukraine, which would further impact the country's energy capacity.
In the wake of the strikes on energy facilities, Ukrainians were asked to use less electricity, with nationwide limits on usage between 07:00 and 23:00.
Millions of people are currently without power as temperatures drop for winter.
Ukraine cannot remain without freedom, says Zelensky
President Zelensky and his wife Olena attending a commemoration event in Kyiv on Freedom DayImage caption: President Zelensky and his wife Olena attending a commemoration event in Kyiv on Freedom Day
Today marks nine years since protests broke out against the decision by Ukraine’s president at the time, Viktor Yanukovych, to choose closer ties with Russia, instead of signing a political association and free trade agreement with the EU.
Praising army servicemen, medics, volunteers and civilians for aiding the war effort, Zelensky said: "Everybody saw what people we are! Ready to give up everything.
"Ready to stand till the end. Who did not lose our dignity. Bravery. Belief in ourselves. In order not to lose our freedom. Not to lose our independence. Not lose Ukraine.
Quote Message: We can remain without money. Without fuel. Without hot water. Without electricity. But not without freedom." from Volodymyr Zelensky President of Ukraine
We can remain without money. Without fuel. Without hot water. Without electricity. But not without freedom."
In pictures: Around the Zaporizhzhia plant
The area around the Russia-occupied Zaporzhzhia nuclear power plant has seen renewed
shelling in recent days, with officials saying the attacks came close to hitting
the plant’s nuclear safety and security systems.
Here are some pictures from close
to the site.
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
A serviceman with a Russian flag on his uniform stands guard near the Zaporizhzhia power plant, which is located in the city of Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhia Region, in south-eastern Ukraine.Image caption: A serviceman with a Russian flag on his uniform stands guard near the Zaporizhzhia power plant, which is located in the city of Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhia Region, in south-eastern Ukraine.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
A view of the plant from across the Dnipro RiverImage caption: A view of the plant from across the Dnipro River
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
A view of buildings destroyed in Zaporizhzhia city from a Russian missile strike in OctoberImage caption: A view of buildings destroyed in Zaporizhzhia city from a Russian missile strike in October
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
A television on the side of a building in Enerhodar shows a broadcast of President Vladimir Putin on Russian state TV. A mural on a nearby building includes a depiction of a nuclear power plantImage caption: A television on the side of a building in Enerhodar shows a broadcast of President Vladimir Putin on Russian state TV. A mural on a nearby building includes a depiction of a nuclear power plant
Zaporizhzhia plant: Timeline of events
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has been a key target in the war since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began 24 February. Here's a look back at the events leading up to this point:
Russia seized the Zaporizhzhia plant in March and the two sides have since accused each other of repeatedly shelling it. Moscow kept Ukrainian technicians to operate the facility
Staff at the occupied plant described being kept at gunpoint while Russian troops used it as a military base
The plant was temporarily cut off from Ukraine's power grid for the first time in its history in August, when fires twice brought down its last remaining 750 kilovolt power line
UN nuclear experts made their first inspection of the plant in September, accompanied by Russian soldiers, and found the integrity of the plant had been "violated several times"
Russia annexed the Zaporizhzhia region and other Ukrainian territory in September but has been pushed back on the battlefield in the south
More than a dozen powerful explosions were recorded near the plant last weekend, prompting UN calls for both sides to agree to implement a nuclear safety and security zone around the site
Live Reporting
Edited by Chris Giles and James FitzGerald
All times stated are UK
Get involved
-
The Europe director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said the UN health body had documented more than 700 attacks on
health infrastructure since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began
-
Speaking in Kyiv, Dr Hans Kluge called the
attacks a “breach of international humanitarian law and the rules of war” and warned that millions of Ukrainians would face "life-threatening" conditions over the winter
-
Dr Kluge called for
a “humanitarian health corridor” to ensure supplies can reach those who need
them most, and said that the only sustainable solution for Ukraine’s
health system was for the war to be brought to an end
-
Earlier, Ukrainian prosecutors gave details of what
they found in four alleged torture chambers in Kherson after Russian troops
left the city
-
They say people were “brutally tortured” and that batons,
bullets and an electrocution device were discovered – though Russia denies committing
abuses during its invasion
-
Elsewhere, UN experts were today due to assess damage around the
Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, following renewed shelling in the area over the
weekend. Russia and Ukraine both blame each other for the attacks
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images A woman pushes a child through snow in Borodyanka, to the north-west of KyivImage caption: A woman pushes a child through snow in Borodyanka, to the north-west of Kyiv 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images A derelict building in the same town, which was occupied by Russian forces at the start of the warImage caption: A derelict building in the same town, which was occupied by Russian forces at the start of the war 
ReutersCopyright: Reuters Much of Ukraine - such as Kyiv, pictured - is struggling with access to electricity, following a series of Russian attacks on the country’s power gridImage caption: Much of Ukraine - such as Kyiv, pictured - is struggling with access to electricity, following a series of Russian attacks on the country’s power grid 
BBCCopyright: BBC 
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EPACopyright: EPA 
Dave Bull/BBCCopyright: Dave Bull/BBC The WHO's Europe director, Hans Kluge, is on a visit to KvivImage caption: The WHO's Europe director, Hans Kluge, is on a visit to Kviv 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images The WHO says Ukraine's health system could face its biggest challenge during the winterImage caption: The WHO says Ukraine's health system could face its biggest challenge during the winter 
ReutersCopyright: Reuters The head of Russia's Rosatom atomic corporation Alexei LikhachevImage caption: The head of Russia's Rosatom atomic corporation Alexei Likhachev 
EPA-EFE/REX/ShutterstockCopyright: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images A Ukrainian police officer stands inside a detention centre in KhersonImage caption: A Ukrainian police officer stands inside a detention centre in Kherson 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images A view of damage at a police station where the detainees were allegedly tortured and ill-treated by Russian forces in KhersonImage caption: A view of damage at a police station where the detainees were allegedly tortured and ill-treated by Russian forces in Kherson 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images Inside a cell at a preliminary detention centre which is believed to have been used by Russian forces to jail and torture civiliansImage caption: Inside a cell at a preliminary detention centre which is believed to have been used by Russian forces to jail and torture civilians 
BBCCopyright: BBC The BBC last week gained access to an alleged torture chamber in KhersonImage caption: The BBC last week gained access to an alleged torture chamber in Kherson - Read James's full report here
BBCCopyright: BBC 
BBCCopyright: BBC 
BBCCopyright: BBC 
ReutersCopyright: Reuters Russian strikes crippled power plants across Ukraine last monthImage caption: Russian strikes crippled power plants across Ukraine last month 
Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/ReutersCopyright: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Reuters President Zelensky and his wife Olena attending a commemoration event in Kyiv on Freedom DayImage caption: President Zelensky and his wife Olena attending a commemoration event in Kyiv on Freedom Day 
ReutersCopyright: Reuters A serviceman with a Russian flag on his uniform stands guard near the Zaporizhzhia power plant, which is located in the city of Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhia Region, in south-eastern Ukraine.Image caption: A serviceman with a Russian flag on his uniform stands guard near the Zaporizhzhia power plant, which is located in the city of Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhia Region, in south-eastern Ukraine. 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images A view of the plant from across the Dnipro RiverImage caption: A view of the plant from across the Dnipro River 
ReutersCopyright: Reuters A view of buildings destroyed in Zaporizhzhia city from a Russian missile strike in OctoberImage caption: A view of buildings destroyed in Zaporizhzhia city from a Russian missile strike in October 
ReutersCopyright: Reuters A television on the side of a building in Enerhodar shows a broadcast of President Vladimir Putin on Russian state TV. A mural on a nearby building includes a depiction of a nuclear power plantImage caption: A television on the side of a building in Enerhodar shows a broadcast of President Vladimir Putin on Russian state TV. A mural on a nearby building includes a depiction of a nuclear power plant 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images - Russia seized the Zaporizhzhia plant in March and the two sides have since accused each other of repeatedly shelling it. Moscow kept Ukrainian technicians to operate the facility
-
Staff at the occupied plant described being kept at gunpoint while Russian troops used it as a military base
-
The plant was temporarily cut off from Ukraine's power grid for the first time in its history in August, when fires twice brought down its last remaining 750 kilovolt power line
-
UN nuclear experts made their first inspection of the plant in September, accompanied by Russian soldiers, and found the integrity of the plant had been "violated several times"
- Russia annexed the Zaporizhzhia region and other Ukrainian territory in September but has been pushed back on the battlefield in the south
- More than a dozen powerful explosions were recorded near the plant last weekend, prompting UN calls for both sides to agree to implement a nuclear safety and security zone around the site
.Copyright: .
Latest PostWhat's been happening?
We'll be pausing our live coverage of the war in Ukraine shortly. But before we go, here's a recap of today's main developments:
Today's coverage was brought to you by Nathan Williams, Emily McGarvey, Marita Moloney, Aoife Walsh, James FitzGerald, Laura Gozzi, Oliver Slow, Chris Giles and Malu Cursino.
Ukraine faces 'largest attack on healthcare since Second World War'
Jessica Parker
Reporting from Kyiv
Ukraine is facing the “largest attack on healthcare on European soil since the Second World War”, according to a senior World Health Organisation (WHO) official.
The WHO's regional director for Europe, Dr Hans Kluge, was speaking at a press conference in Kyiv this afternoon.
The WHO defines an attack as: “Any act of verbal or physical violence, threat of violence or other psychological violence, or obstruction that interferes with the availability, access and delivery of curative and/or preventive health services.”
Answering a question from the BBC, Dr Kluge spoke of the damage to the country’s energy infrastructure and warned of a “brutal winter” ahead - saying “temperatures can plummet.”
“A lot of people die from the cold, mainly from stroke, from heart attack and from respiratory infections," he added.
Dr Kluge said the WHO had verified 703 attacks on health infrastructure since the war began.
Officials say it’s not up to them to decide whether these "attacks" were deliberate or who committed them – but the figure includes everything from hospitals to ambulances and medical supplies.
In pictures: Snowy scenes in the Kyiv region
As we’ve been reporting, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that Ukraine’s health service faces a tough winter ahead.
With temperatures currently at around 0C in some places, here’s a look at some snowy scenes in the Kyiv region.
Were captive Russian soldiers shot after surrendering?
Russia has accused Ukrainian forces of committing a war crime by killing several Russian soldiers in eastern Ukraine.
The incident happened on or before Saturday 12 November in Makiyivka, a village on the front line in Luhansk region.
The BBC has been examining footage of the incident, in which at least 11 Russian soldiers appear to have been killed following their surrender.
Images show the bodies of a number of uniformed soldiers lying on the ground in a farmyard.
By using key elements that appear in both drone footage and images filmed on the ground, the BBC has confirmed that they show the same scene.
Ukraine has said it will investigate the incident.
You can read more about our own investigation here.
How risky is the stand-off over Zaporizhzhia?
As we've been reporting, UN experts were today due to assess damage to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, following repeated shelling in the area over the weekend.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, called it another "close call".
What, then, is the risk to this nuclear plant which houses six reactors - and is Europe facing a Fukushima-type meltdown?
Much of the anxiety has been about the plant coming under fire from artillery shells or rockets.
Ukraine has accused Russian forces of using the facility as a shield from which to fire on nearby cities. Russia denies that is the case, but satellite photos have shown its military is stationed near some of the buildings.
"Zaporizhzhia was built in the 1980s, which is relatively modern," says Mark Wenman, head of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Nuclear Energy Futures.
He rejects comparisons with either Chernobyl in 1986 or Fukushima in 2011. Chernobyl had serious design flaws, he explains, while at Fukushima the diesel generators were flooded, which he believes would not happen in Ukraine, as the generators are inside the containment building.
After 9/11, nuclear plants were tested for potential attacks involving large airliners, and were found to be largely safe. So damage to a reactor's containment building may not be the biggest hazard.
More worrying could be a potential loss of power supply to the nuclear reactors. If that happened and the diesel back-up generators failed, that would lead to a loss of coolant. With no electricity to power the pumps around the hot reactor core, the fuel would start to melt.
Read more here.
One dead as Kherson hit by shelling - Ukraine official
One person has died and three people have been injured after shelling hit Ukraine's recently recaptured city of Kherson, a senior Ukrainian official says.
Russia withdrew its troops from the port city earlier this month, the only regional capital Moscow's forces had taken since February.
However, Kyiv remains cautious following Russia's retreat - warning that the war "is not over".
Presidential aide Kyrylo Tymoshenko writes on the Telegram messaging app that all four of the victims in Kherson were taken to the regional hospital - and that one died.
WHO calls for 'humanitarian health corridor'
Dr Kluge of the WHO also calls for a “humanitarian health corridor” to be created to all areas of Ukraine newly regained by Kyiv, as well as those occupied by Russian forces.
He says the war has impacted access to healthcare, as well as supply lines for the flow of humanitarian aid. He adds that the WHO and its partners would be “ready to mobilise at a moment’s notice”.
A humanitarian health corridor is a space or route created that allows crucial supplies to be sent to areas that are hard to reach.
Dr Kluge expressed particular concern for 17,000 HIV patients in Donetsk - who he says may soon run out of critical antiretroviral drugs that keep them alive.
Ukraine's health system facing darkest days - WHO
A bit more now from the WHO's Dr Hans Kluge - who warns that Ukraine's health system is "facing its darkest days in the war so far", and that the best solution is for the conflict to end.
This comes amid a caution that people are more likely to pick up viral respiratory infections during the winter than in other seasons, particularly as Omicron sub-variants of Covid-19 circulate in Ukraine.
"With low basic vaccination rates – let alone boosters – millions of Ukrainians have waning or no immunity to Covid," he says.
Adding to the worry is an "expected surge" in seasonal flu, as well as difficulties in accessing health services - all of which "could spell disaster for vulnerable people".
As well as calling for short-term solutions to ensure healthcare services can continue, Kluge says the only sustainable solution is for the conflict to be brought to a halt.
"This war must end, before the health system and the health of the Ukrainian nation are compromised any further," he says.
700 attacks on health infrastructure since war began - WHO
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says it has documented 703 attacks on health infrastructure since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began.
In a speech in Kyiv, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P Kluge, says such attacks are a "breach of international humanitarian law and the rules of war".
He adds that due to the attacks on health and energy infrastructure, hundreds of hospitals and healthcare facilities are "no longer fully operational, lacking fuel, water and electricity to meet basic needs".
"Maternity wards need incubators. Blood banks need refrigerators. Intensive care beds need ventilators. And all require energy," he says.
He adds that the aim of his trip is to focus the world’s attention on the situation, to meet with relevant officials, and to offer his gratitude to Ukraine’s doctors, nurses and health workers.
Kluge says that 10 million people in Ukraine - a quarter of the population - are without power, a situation that was particularly dangerous with temperatures expected to plummet to -20C.
"Cold weather can kill," he comments, adding that desperate families are being forced to turn to alternative heating methods - such as burning charcoal or wood or using generators by diesel or electric heaters - which could bring health risks.
He says he expects two to three million people to leave their homes in search of warmth and safety, adding that those who do so will face "unique health challenges", including respiratory illnesses such as Covid, pneumonia and flu.
Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant 'at risk of a nuclear accident'
Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is "at risk of a nuclear accident" the head of Russia's Rosatom atomic corporation has warned.
"The plant has been designated as being at risk of an atomic accident. We have been in talks with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) all night," Alexei Likhachev told media on 21 November, as reported by Russia's Interfax news agency.
The nuclear power chief has accused Ukraine’s army of shelling the plant, claiming there had been "no fewer than 30" hits over the weekend.
"They are hitting the spent nuclear fuel storage, the special-purpose block, lines of transportation, reserve diesel generators have been damaged," Likhachev said.
Both sides have accused each other of shelling the plant since Russian forces captured it in March.
Nato must protect Ukraine from 'Russian sabotage' at nuclear facilities - Zelensky
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Nato members to guarantee the protection of the country’s nuclear facilities.
In a video address to Nato’s Parliamentary Assembly in Madrid, he said: "All our nations are interested in not having any dangerous incidents at our nuclear facilities. We all need guaranteed protection from Russian sabotage at nuclear facilities."
Zelensky also used his speech to continue his calls for Ukraine to be accepted as full Nato and EU members.
“We urge you to support our applications for membership to the EU and to Nato,” adding that he was “certain” that Ukraine can reinstate its borders.
In pictures: Detention centres in Kherson
As we've been reporting, Ukrainian officials say they are inspecting locations in Kherson where Russian troops allegedly tortured local residents before its troops withdrew from the southern Ukrainian city earlier this month.
The following pictures claim to show what it was like inside of some of the sites said to have been used by Russia for interrogations, detentions and torture.
Russia has repeatedly denied carrying out atrocities during the war.
We don't know if these pictures show the same sites as those identified by Ukraine today.
Recap: What happened in Kherson?
The allegations of torture in Kherson - mentioned in our last couple of posts - have emerged after Moscow withdrew its troops from the southern city earlier this month.
That move followed a series of setbacks for Russian forces in the region.
They'd occupied Kherson since March. The city remains the only regional capital seized by Russian forces since they invaded in February.
Russia regarded Kherson as its own territory, after announcing the annexation of the wider region following so-called "referendums" in late September. These were denounced as a sham by the international community.
The pull-out from Kherson was widely viewed as a major defeat for the Kremlin.
A barrage of Russian attacks on power facilities across Ukraine followed, with key energy infrastructure targeted by drones and missiles.
Heating and hot water supplies have been interrupted for millions of Ukrainians - just as wintry weather settles on the country.
'Men were screaming in pain'
Fresh details provided by Kyiv about alleged Russian torture sites in Kherson follow a recent BBC report on the matter.
Our correspondent James Waterhouse spoke to two people who said they'd been held for more than a month in “torture chambers” inside a police station, while the city was occupied by Russia.
Anzhela Slobodian, 49, a TV presenter before Russia’s invasion, said she was psychologically tortured for more than a month in a small cell, which she shared with four other women.
“When the person is being tortured with electricity, you hear it. It is a peculiar sound,” she said, adding: “Men were screaming in pain.”
The journalist said she couldn’t fall asleep because the lights were on, and when she was released, she found she couldn’t go to bed in the dark.
Oleksandr Maksimenko, 69, shared a room with 15 other men, who he claims were relentlessly beaten and tortured. Some were electrocuted.
"It's horrible," he remembers. "One guy who was brought to the cell after his interrogation came back with a black tongue. It was so swollen it couldn't go back in his mouth."
Temperatures often reached 40C, he said, and those held captive were made to learn the Russian national anthem. Oleksandr said he was also forced to appear on Russian state TV.
Moscow denies committing atrocities during its invasion.
More evidence of torture found in Kherson - Ukrainian officials
Ukrainian officials say prosecutors have inspected four locations in Kherson where Russians troops allegedly tortured local residents while the city was occupied.
The Prosecutor-General's Office said the four locations were remand centres, a police department and an office building - and that people held at those sites were subjected to both physical and psychological torture.
Police seized parts of rubber batons, a wooden club, an electrocution device, an incandescent light bulb and bullets in the walls.
In recent days, Kyiv has accused Moscow's forces of perpetrating abuses on a "horrific" scale.
Today's statement says Ukrainian law enforcement officers continue to collect evidence of what they call "crimes" carried out by the Russian military.
Russia has repeatedly denied carrying out atrocities during the war.
Reality of a bitter winter in Kyiv starts to set in
Catherine Byaruhanga
Reporting from Kyiv
It felt like I was walking through a movie scene in Kyiv the past few days.
Snow covers walkways, empty playgrounds, park benches. A tram trudges uphill past snow-coated trees. This isn’t your fairy-tale Christmas film. It felt slightly darker, moodier.
There are very few people on the streets. A woman and man building a snowman near the Dnipro river are some of the few stopping to enjoy the snow.
As temperatures drop to below 0C, the reality of a bitter winter amid massive power shortages is setting in.
Russian air strikes have damaged nearly 50% of the country’s energy infrastructure, according to the government.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which used to produce more than 25% of Ukraine’s electricity, no longer generates power.
People I meet in Kyiv tell me about showering with cold water now, not being able to make a cup of coffee in the morning, and wearing extra layers to stay warm.
It’s snowing but winter hasn’t officially begun here. When it does, next year temperatures will drop to as much as -20C.
Most people I speak to are determined to stick it out here in Ukraine. That resolve will likely be tested for some.
Russia targets energy plants as winter sets in
As we reported earlier, Ukraine says the shelling at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant over the weekend is part of a campaign by Russia to disrupt the country's power supplies.
It follows recent massive strikes on Ukraine's energy grid which hit regions in the west, centre, south and east on what President Zelensky said was a "very wide" scale.
The wave of Russian missile and drone strikes has crippled almost half of Ukraine's energy system, the Ukrainian prime minister said last week, adding that "the difficult situation with energy supply persists in a total of 17 regions and in the capital".
In response, the head of Ukraine's biggest private energy firm said people should consider leaving the country to reduce demand on the country's power network.
Last month, Zelensky also accused Russia of preparing to blow up a dam at a hydroelectric plant in southern Ukraine, which would further impact the country's energy capacity.
In the wake of the strikes on energy facilities, Ukrainians were asked to use less electricity, with nationwide limits on usage between 07:00 and 23:00.
Millions of people are currently without power as temperatures drop for winter.
Ukraine cannot remain without freedom, says Zelensky
Ukrainians have paid and continue to pay a "very high price" for freedom, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an address for Dignity and Freedom Day.
Today marks nine years since protests broke out against the decision by Ukraine’s president at the time, Viktor Yanukovych, to choose closer ties with Russia, instead of signing a political association and free trade agreement with the EU.
Praising army servicemen, medics, volunteers and civilians for aiding the war effort, Zelensky said: "Everybody saw what people we are! Ready to give up everything.
"Ready to stand till the end. Who did not lose our dignity. Bravery. Belief in ourselves. In order not to lose our freedom. Not to lose our independence. Not lose Ukraine.
In pictures: Around the Zaporizhzhia plant
The area around the Russia-occupied Zaporzhzhia nuclear power plant has seen renewed shelling in recent days, with officials saying the attacks came close to hitting the plant’s nuclear safety and security systems.
Here are some pictures from close to the site.
Zaporizhzhia plant: Timeline of events
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has been a key target in the war since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began 24 February. Here's a look back at the events leading up to this point: