English Section

Zelensky accuses Russia of 183,000 war crimes in Ukraine

01.04.2025 09:00
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged the international community to hold Russia accountable for more than 183,000 alleged war crimes committed since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addresses a press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, 28 March 2025.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addresses a press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, 28 March 2025. EPA/STRINGER

Speaking at a meeting of European officials in Bucha – a site near Kyiv where Russian forces have been accused of executions, rape and torture – Zelensky said justice must prevail to prevent “evil from proliferating."

According to Zelensky, Ukrainian authorities have officially recorded more than 183,000 incidents tied to Russia’s aggression. This figure, he noted, excludes large parts of Ukrainian territory currently under Russian occupation.

“We need effective international law to guarantee the protection of our people and all European society from such threats,” Zelensky said, marking the third anniversary of Russian troops’ withdrawal from Bucha.

“Justice must be served to prevent evil from proliferating. Pressure on Russia and sanctions against it are necessary to ensure that the war and abuse do not expand further.”

The majority of war crimes investigations into Russian actions are overseen by Ukrainian prosecutors and tried within Ukraine’s judicial system. Additionally, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has launched its own high-profile probes, following Ukraine’s formal accession to the tribunal this year.

However, neither the United States nor Russia recognizes the ICC’s authority. U.S. President Donald Trump has previously authorized sanctions against the court over investigations involving American citizens or U.S. allies.

(jh)

Source: The Kyiv Independent, Reuters