Russia Accused of War Crimes Through Starvation Tactics During Mariupol Siege

A new report submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICC) by Global Rights Compliance alleges Russia committed war crimes during the siege of Mariupol. Investigators from Global Rights Compliance allege Russia deliberately used starvation tactics against Ukrainian civilians for 85 days, targeting essential supplies and infrastructure.

The report details attacks on critical infrastructure, including supermarkets repurposed as food distribution centers, and estimates 22,000 civilian deaths. The real numbers are feared to be much higher.

These actions, coupled with the harsh winter conditions, where temperatures went below -10°C, placed significant pressure on the civilian population.

This deprivation of food and essentials during harsh winter conditions is seen as a grave violation of international law. Global Rights Compliance, working alongside the Ukrainian government, is seeking accountability from Russia and its leaders for these actions. Their dossier argues that Russia’s strategy may have violated the ICC’s principles regarding war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Catriona Murdoch, a partner at Global Rights Compliance, articulated that the research aimed to uncover whether there was a broader narrative indicating a deliberate denial of essential resources such as food by the Russian military and its leadership.

“What we could see is that there were four phases to the Russian assault, starting with attacks on civilian infrastructure, cutting out the supply of electricity, heating, and water. Then humanitarian evacuations were denied and even attacked, while aid was prevented from getting through,” Murdoch said.

“In the third phase, the remaining critical infrastructure was targeted, civilians terrorized with aid and water points bombed. Finally, in phase four, Russia engaged in strategic attacks to destroy or capture any remaining infrastructure items,” she added.

The report suggests this systematic approach may indicate a deliberate strategy to capture the city without consideration for civilian casualties. It estimates Mariupol’s pre-war population at 450,000 and alleges widespread damage to homes and hospitals. The report assigns blame for these actions to high-ranking officials, including Vladimir Putin, due to Russia’s centralized decision-making structure.

Global Rights Compliance, working together with the Ukrainian government, seeks to hold Russia accountable for these actions, which they argue constitute war crimes and potential crimes against humanity.

During the siege of Mariupol, at least 1,600 prisoners have been taken in Russia. At the Summit on Peace for Ukraine on June 15-16, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s will propose to exchange prisoners according to the “all-for-all” formula, which includes military personnel, civilians, and forcibly deported individuals.