'Foreign mercenaries won't be treated as Prisoners of war,' warns Russian Defence Ministry

A day after International Criminal Court launched an investigation into possible war crimes by Moscow, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov, on Thursday, warned mercenaries who have been fighting in support of Ukraine, will t be able to enjoy rights under 'prisoners of war'. According to news ncy TASS, Konashenkov accused that West has been constantly sending its forces in order to support Ukrainian forces.

Irrespective of Konashenkov's claim, US President Joe Biden, on multiple occasions, said that American forces will t assist Ukrainian forces in its fight against Russia. However, Biden said he would send its forces to protect NATO allies.

"ne of mercenaries West is sending to Ukraine to fight for nationalist regime will enjoy right of combatants under international humanitarian law," TASS quoted Russian Defense Ministry as saying.

Konashenkov also said that Western countries are assisting Ukraine by sending weapons and or ammunition. According to him, some foreign mercenaries were also involved in attacking Russian military and supplying convoys. "In videos being spread by Ukrainian secret services for propaganda purposes as foot allegedly filmed by local civilians y prefer t to get in front of cameras," Konashenkov said and added all those mercenaries who were detained by Russian forces would be brought to justice on "criminal charges".

Kuleba asserts Russia will be held accountable for its war crimes

Furr, he warned Western forces who are willing to support Ukrainian forces must think a dozen times before making a final decision. "At best, y can expect to be prosecuted as criminals. We are urging all foreign citizens who may have plans to go and fight for Kyiv’s nationalist regime to think a dozen times before getting on way," Konashenkov added.

It is worth mentioning earlier on Wednesday International Criminal Court launched an investigation into possible war crimes conducted by Russia in Ukraine amid ongoing invasion of Kyiv.

Besides, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Thursday asserted y will 'hold Russia accountable for its war crimes'. Taking to Twitter, Kuleba ted that with help of 45 states, Ukraine has launched 'OSCE Moscow Mechanism' to counter Russia's invasion. 

Kuleba wrote, "We will hold Russia accountable for its war crimes and crimes against humanity. Toger with 45 states, Ukraine has launched OSCE Moscow Mechanism on Russia’s invasion. An expert mission will submit findings to accountability mechanisms, including international courts & tribunals."

Im: AP