Ukraine President Zelensky Seeks European Help Against Russian War Crimes
Ukraine's President Zelensky alleges Russia has committed over 183,000 war crimes since their invasion, seeks European allies' assistance. Zelensky calls for justice and sanctions against Russia to prevent further atrocities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of more than 183,000 war crimes since their invasion and asked for European help to end this injustice. On the third anniversary of Russian troops withdrawing from Bucha, Zelensky addressed European officials and said, 'More than 183,000 crimes related to Russia's aggression against Ukraine have been officially documented.' Zelensky noted these crimes were documented since February 2022 but did not cover all territories Russia has occupied.
Russian forces in Bucha have been accused of rapes, extrajudicial killings, and torture, currently facing local prosecution. Khomenko, Ukraine's acting prosecutor general, stated that Russian forces committed over 9,000 crimes in the Bucha region, including 1,800 killings. Ukrainian authorities have charged 178 individuals and convicted 21 so far. They continue to work with the ICC and other countries investigating Russia's alleged atrocities against Ukrainian civilians in occupied areas.
Amid these accusations, Russian authorities haven't responded, previously denying any war crimes. Zelensky emphasized the need for international law to protect people from such threats and ensure justice prevails. He called for pressure on Russia and sanctions to prevent further war and abuse.