Ukraine has disclosed that it is currently probing over 21,000 war crimes and crimes of aggression that are believed to have been committed by Russia since the onset of its invasion.
According to Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova, reports of 200 to 300 war crimes are being received on a daily basis.
While acknowledging that numerous trials would be conducted in absentia, Venediktova emphasized the importance of pursuing the prosecutions, citing that it is a matter of justice.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, allegations have surfaced of attacks on hospitals, kindergartens, and churches, all deemed as war crimes. However, both the country and its leader, Vladimir Putin, have denied these allegations.
During an interview with the BBC’s World Service Outside Source programme, Ms. Venediktova cautioned that Russian soldiers who have committed atrocities such as killings, torture, or rape against civilians “should understand that it’s only a question of time when they all will be in court”.
She mentioned that despite her team’s operations in various regions across Ukraine, the lack of access to certain individuals and areas, especially those in Ukraine’s territories occupied by Russian troops, hinders the proper and effective investigation of all cases.
Back in May, Ms. Venediktova informed that approximately 600 suspects had been identified and 80 prosecutions had been initiated. Notably, the first Russian soldier to face trial in Ukraine, Sgt Vadim Shishimarin, was sentenced to life in prison for the killing of a civilian in May.
Ukraine has reported the discovery of multiple mass graves in Bucha, Borodyanka, and other towns near the capital Kyiv that were briefly seized by Russian troops.
Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court has characterized Ukraine as a “crime scene” and has deployed its largest team of detectives ever to the country to aid in multiple investigations.
Despite Moscow repeatedly refuting claims of targeting civilians, the allegations persist.