Ukraine says investigating over 21,000 war crimes against Russia as war enters day 134

As war between Moscow and Kyiv rages on unabated in Eastern Europe, Ukraine revealed that it has been looking into over 21,000 suspected war crimes and crimes of aggression perpetrated by inving Russia since beginning of invasion in late February. Iryna Venediktova, prosecutor general, told BBC that she has been getting complaints of 200 to 300 war crimes every day. Although she said that many trials would be conducted without defendants present, she insisted that continuing proceedings was "a question of justice." 

During an interview with BBC's World Service Outside Source program, Venediktova warned that Russian troops who killed, tortured, or raped people "should understand that it is only a question of time when y all will be in court". Despite se allegations, as per BBC report, Russia refuted all claims of war crimes.  

About 600 individuals h been identified as suspects as of May, according to Venediktova, and 80 prosecutions h started. Sergeant Vim Shishimarin, first Russian soldier prosecuted in Ukraine and was given a life term in jail in May for murder of a civilian, BBC reported. Furrmore, Ukraine claims to have discovered several mass graves in Bucha and Borodyanka.

Ukraine investigating treason incidents

Apart from this, investigation into 480 incidents of treason and collaboration with invers that have been reported since February 24 was launched by Ukrainian authorities in June. As probe got underway, more than 100 people were handed over, and four indictments were sent to court, Ukrainian communications viser Tetiana Sapyan said in an interview with Ukrinform. At least three former Ukrainian military personnel, who reportedly signed a contract with Russian soldiers in 2014 to ensure ir entry into Ukrainian territory on ir return in February 2022, were among convicts. Furr, ex-army officers were imprisoned. 

According to media reports, Sapyan said, " captain of rio center of field of communication center was sentenced to 15 years in prison for treason, commander of tank company was sentenced to 14 years and a chief Sergeant was sentenced to 14 years". ditionally, she said that Ukrainian State Bureau of Inquiry (SBU) has opened a criminal investigation into mayor of Sviatohirsk's suspected "treason." 

Meanwhile, a delegation from United Nations traveled to Ukraine in June to gar proof of war crimes committed by Russian soldiers since start of brutal war. delegation's primary responsibility, as per UN agency, is to identify suspects, gar evidence, and prepare documents "so that no one can escape punishment." According to report, Ukrainian parliament, Verkhovna Ra, gave team its full assistance in garing any evidence that may demonstrate Russian President  Vlimir Putin's ruthlessness. 

(Image: AP)