Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy grid raise legal questions

Russian missiles and drones have pounded Ukraine’s energy grid in recent weeks. That has plunged people into frozen darkness in one of the country’s coldest winters on record. Ukraine has accused Russia of illegally targeting power infrastructure during the war to deny civilians light, heating and running water. Russia says its attacks are a legitimate part of its military campaign against its neighbor. Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine itself is widely regarded as an illegal act of aggression. An expert on international law says combatants can legally target a power grid if the attack “directly affects a valid military target.” But they cannot cause excessive civilian casualties.