Russian War Crimes: A Visit From Attorney General Garland
On the 21st of June, the Attorney General of the United States, Merrick Garland visited Ukraine to discuss Russian war crimes being committed in Ukraine. During this visit, the Justice Department announced the creation of the new War Crimes Accountability team, made to investigate war crimes that may have occurred in Ukraine falling under American jurisdiction. Throughout this war, the Russian Armed Forces have committed a number of atrocities, some against foreign citizens.
As mentioned in a previous spotlight, by April 25th, 2,600 citizens were killed. Nearly two months later, as of June 20th, the number has nearly doubled to 4,569 citizens having been killed since the start of the war. The same source, the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, states that most of the civilian casualties have been due to explosives with a large impact area. It goes on to state that the Office believes the number of deaths and casualties is much higher than reported, as information in warzones is often delayed. Russia has continued to use cluster munitions on a large scale, as reported in a previous spotlight. Amnesty International has claimed that Russia has committed war crimes using these munitions in Kharkiv, as the city has been under constant siege since the start of the invasion in late February. By using this type of bomb, which is not intended for accuracy as it releases dozens of small bombs over a large area, in a residential area, the Russian military is knowingly harming civilians. Such as the strike on a playground, an area where children should be expected to be, and yet it was targeted and destroyed, killing nine people.
The Ukrainian Courts have handed out two sentences of war crimes against Russian soldiers, imposing an eleven and a half year-long sentence. These two men were in an artillery unit and hit two villages with 38 missiles, bombing civilian centers and buildings on purpose – even destroying a school. Another Russian soldier has been given a life sentence for killing a civilian, an elderly man riding a bicycle, at point blank range. Over 16,000 investigations have been opened into war crimes committed in Ukraine, and eight more cases have been filed in court against Russian soldiers. The Attorney General has stated that the United States will help Ukraine prosecute war crimes committed during the Russian invasion of their country.
Along with the Attorney General, days prior to his visit, the UN Independent International Commission arrived in Ukraine. Their purpose is to investigate war crimes related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, set to come out with a report in September. They are creating an in-depth large report, which will consist of evidence and suspects involved in crimes committed. The Commission will also deliver a speech and report to the UN General Assembly later this year.