Sky News was told that the Ukrainian police are currently investigating 26,000 war crimes committed in Ukraine by Russian soldiers. They expect to find thousands more as the land is retaken, towns and villages liberated and other details are revealed.
Since the invasion began on 24 February, the most difficult task for the Ukrainian police has been gathering evidence to prove Russian influence. However, international support is being offered to help.
Sky News was told by Ukraine’s interior minister that “Everyday, we record the deaths of many civilians.”
“These are the crimes they [Russia] committed in the occupied territory.”
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Denys Monastyrskiy spoke out about the war crimes that were discovered by the Russian forces when they retreated from Bucha and Hostomel, near Kyiv. He said that he is ready for more horror as the conflict continues.
“I am certain that we will face more crimes in Mariupol Volnovakha, Severodonetsk and other cities currently under occupation. They will be de-occupied soon.”
“We are also investigating the crimes committed by Russia’s political establishment, which directed the troops and allowed them to commit war crimes like rape, murder of children and general killings. He said that they let their commanders do it.
Teams of national police officers, security service officers, and prosecutors collect evidence at the locations of airstrikes or liberated areas.
They are often under fire or at risk of secondary airstrikes.
A mobile DNA collection unit donated by the United States to aid investigators in processing DNA from bodies on the scene has been recently donated by the United States.
Experts from France and Lithuania are also present in Ukraine to provide support. In total, more than 40 countries have offered their assistance. $20 million has been pledged for the funding of the Ukrainian prosecutor-general’s office.
“Statements are slowly coming from those who lost loved ones, who have disappeared. “There are often dozens of statements following each shelling,” stated Mr Monastyrskiy.
“War crimes are one of the greatest burdens on the national police of Ukraine.”
Russia is not a member the International Criminal Court – after the annexation in Crimea in 2014, it withdrew its recognition. Ukraine has yet to ratify the membership. The Netherlands is therefore considering a special international tribunal.
Continue reading:
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The evidence you gather now can help you in future prosecutions.
As Russian shelling continues to target apartment blocks, shopping centres, train stations, and schools in the eastern and southern Ukraine, fighting is ongoing and civilians are being killed every day.
The Ukrainian counter-offensive against Russia in the South is expected to begin within days.
It could prove to be a turning point for the war if it is successful.
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