Ukraine preparing 41 war crimes cases against Russian troops, avers prosecutor general

Amidst ongoing war in Eastern Europe, Ukraine's Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova claimed that her office was compiling as many as 41 war crime cases against inving Russian troops. Speaking at a live briefing on Ukrainian TV, Venediktova said, "We have 41 suspects in cases with which we will be rey to go to court. All of m concern Article 438 of (Ukrainian) criminal code on war crimes, but different s of war crimes," Associated Press (AP) reported. She also stated that re is bombing of civilian infrastructure, killing of civilians, rape as well as incidents of looting being taken into consideration. 

As per reports, it was unclear how many of suspects would be tried in ir absence. On Friday, a 21-year-old Russian soldier was on trial in Kyiv for slaying of an unarmed Ukrainian citizen in early days of war, marking first war crime prosecution of a member of Russian military in city. office of Prosecutor General stated that accused has been violating laws and customs of war (ch. 2nd century 438 cc of Ukraine). It furr noted that defendant will be in custody during trial period and subsequent meeting is scheduled for May 18. 

Two more suspects likely to face preliminary hearings next week: Ukraine's prosecutor general

Venediktova also said that two more suspects, who are currently in Ukraine, are expected to face preliminary hearings next week. Earlier, Ukrainian government claimed that it has enough evidence against Russian war crimes. Speaking at national telethon on April 30, Ukraine's Justice Minister Denys Malyuska expressed confidence that Kyiv has significant evidence of Russian war crimes including genocide.

Russia-Ukraine war

Malyuska furr noted that both Ukrainian national courts, as well as international bodies, can pass sentences on Russian leership and its military. se include International Criminal Court (ICC), a tribunal recently established by Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe, and or courts, Rio Liberty reported. It is pertinent to mention here that war between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate and entered its day 80th on Saturday. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Defence Ministry claimed on Saturday that Russia has lost nearly 27,200 soldiers since onset of war on February 24. 

Image: AP