On Monday, President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the international community to hold Russia accountable for over 183,000 alleged war crimes that Ukraine claimed to have documented since the start of Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022. He stressed the importance of justice in preventing “evil from proliferating.”
Zelensky delivered his remarks during a gathering of European leaders in Bucha, a town just northwest of Kyiv, where Russian forces have been accused of brutal acts, including summary executions, sexual violence, and torture during their occupation.
Russia, which has consistently denied committing war crimes, did not issue an immediate response to Zelensky’s speech after the close of business hours. Moscow has long claimed that Western nations ignore abuses by Ukraine—an allegation Ukrainian officials reject outright.
“More than 183,000 crimes related to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine have been officially documented,” Zelensky stated, marking the third anniversary of Russian troops being driven out of Bucha.
He noted that the figure only accounts for crimes registered in Ukrainian-controlled territory and does not cover areas that remain under Russian occupation.
“We need effective international law to guarantee the protection of our people and all European society from such threats,” Zelensky said.
“Justice must be served to prevent evil from proliferating. Pressure on Russia and sanctions against it are necessary to ensure that the war and abuse do not expand further.”
Most of the alleged offenses committed by Russian forces are being investigated and prosecuted by Ukrainian authorities. However, the International Criminal Court in The Hague—which Ukraine officially joined this year—has also launched probes into several major cases.
Neither the United States nor Russia recognizes the jurisdiction of the ICC. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously approved sanctions against the court, including economic and travel penalties, in response to its investigations into U.S. personnel and allies.
A separate funding freeze imposed by the U.S. on international aid programs has disrupted ongoing efforts to help Ukraine pursue justice by cutting off external legal support and oversight.
Despite the challenges, a Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson expressed measured confidence last month that sanctions targeting the ICC would not hinder its Ukraine-related investigations.
The ICC has issued a warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over the forced transfer of Ukrainian children—a move Russia has dismissed as having no legal standing.
Zelensky, joined by First Lady Olena Zelenska and European dignitaries, participated in a memorial ceremony for those killed during Russia’s month-long control of Bucha in 2022. When Russian forces retreated from the Kyiv suburb, they left behind mass graves and corpses in the streets.
According to acting Prosecutor General Oleksiy Khomenko, Russian troops committed more than 9,000 crimes in the Bucha area alone, including the killing of 1,800 individuals.
Khomenko reported that Ukrainian prosecutors had filed charges against 178 suspects and secured 21 convictions to date. He said Ukraine was actively working with the ICC and 25 other nations involved in ongoing investigations.
“Ukraine will not stop on the path of bringing those responsible to justice,” Khomenko affirmed.
{Matzav.com}The post Zelensky Says Russia Has Committed Over 183,000 War Crimes In Ukraine first appeared on Matzav.com.