Russia Is Responsible for 133,000 War Crimes in Ukraine, Says Prosecutor General’s Office

Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it has been responsible for 133,000 war crimes, as outlined in the Rome Statute.

This was stated by Yurii Belousov, the Head of the War Crimes Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office, during the event “Olenivka - A Place of Russian War Crime”, as reported by Espreso correspondent Kateryna Halko.

The event honored the memory of Ukrainian prisoners of war, killed in the Olenivka prison massacre in 2022, many of which were members of the Azov Brigade. It was intended to draw international attention to focus the efforts of the entire democratic world community for the liberation of the wounded prisoners of war defenders of Azovstal, who were staying at the Olenivka concentration camp.

As of the morning of July 29, since the onset of the full-scale invasion, Russian forces have committed 133,000 war crimes throughout Ukraine, Belousov reports. According to him, these crimes encompass the full spectrum of offenses detailed in the Rome Statute. This includes the deportation of children, murder, sexual violence, ill-treatment, killing of prisoners of war, looting, and violations against Ukraine's cultural heritage, among other atrocities.

The investigation of war crimes in Ukraine is currently being conducted by the Office of the Prosecutor General together with the Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police. Specialized units have been formed to gather evidence and ensure accountability for those responsible.

As of today, 635 members of the Russian military have been notified of suspicion, with 457 cases currently pending in Ukrainian courts and 121 convictions already issued. Most of these verdicts were passed in absentia. Belousov reported that only 17 war criminals are currently in the custody of Ukrainian law enforcement.

"But we believe that these efforts are not in vain. The primary goal is to secure a verdict, prove to the world that the individual has committed a crime, and then track their assets globally. As you know, war criminals from World War II are still being sought after all these years. We hope and believe that the criminals, including Putin and his associates, will eventually be brought to justice. Our task, as law enforcement, is to ensure that evidence is properly collected by the time this occurs. We are also working with the International Criminal Court," Belousov emphasized.

Russia’s attack on the Olenivka prison camp on July 29, 2023, killing over 50 Ukrainian prisoners of war and injuring around 130, “reflects the deep-seated hatred Russia holds for Ukraine”, Belousov stated.

“​​We view this crime, along with others in Bucha, Izium, Mariupol, and other cities, as part of a broader campaign of genocide. We hope to prove that the Russians are not merely seeking to seize our territory or commit isolated acts of violence, but are intent on eradicating us as a nation. They want Ukrainians to remain, but for the nation itself to disappear. This is why they are targeting our culture, language, and the most active representatives of our nation,” Belousiv added.

He assured that the Prosecutor General's Office, the Security Service, and the National Police are doing everything in their power to identify each Russian perpetrator. He emphasized that law enforcement officials are committed to both the military and the victims, recognizing the importance of maintaining close communication with those affected.