By John Q. Hosedrinker 
According to a recent report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, Russian drone strikes along the Dnieper River have been classified as war crimes. The report, based on hundreds of videos and interviews, details attacks targeting Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure with a variety of drones. These attacks are alleged to be deliberately coordinated to instill terror, with evidence including the forced deportation of civilians. While Russia denies these accusations, the U.N. commission was unable to investigate Russian claims of Ukrainian attacks due to lack of access and safety concerns.
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Russian drone strikes in Ukraine are war crimes, the UN commission says. This is a very serious declaration, and it adds yet another layer to the already devastating narrative of Russia’s ongoing invasion. The use of drones, especially in targeting civilian infrastructure and areas, has been a key component of the conflict, and now the international community is explicitly stating that these actions violate the laws of war. This isn’t just about collateral damage; it’s about intentional targeting, causing widespread harm, and potentially aiming to terrorize the civilian population.
The UN’s pronouncements often involve meticulous investigations and legal assessments, so this declaration isn’t something taken lightly. The commission likely reviewed evidence of specific strikes, analyzed the context in which they occurred, and determined whether they met the criteria of war crimes. This could include things like targeting civilian objects, disproportionate attacks (where the harm to civilians outweighs the military advantage), or attacks that caused widespread, long-term damage. The fact that the UN is speaking so definitively suggests that the evidence gathered is substantial and damning.
Furthermore, this finding doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s crucial to understand that the drone strikes are just one piece of a much larger, and incredibly disturbing, picture. The broader scope of the Russian campaign against Ukraine has been consistently documented as being genocidal in nature, both in its explicit intent and in its horrific execution. This is where it gets really dark.
The evidence of intent is chilling. Russian state television and various Telegram channels have brazenly documented a “human safari,” showcasing videos of soldiers hunting civilians. This, to put it mildly, paints a harrowing picture of dehumanization and contempt for human life. To see it being broadcast like a game is a clear indicator that the intent is to intimidate or exterminate, and that the actions themselves are an end.
Then, you have the “filtration camps.” These facilities have become synonymous with arbitrary detention, interrogation, and deportation. Thousands of Ukrainians, including children, have been subjected to this system. The UN and multiple independent investigations have confirmed the brutality of these camps. Families are separated, digital devices are scoured for any hint of Ukrainian loyalty, and those who dare to resist often simply vanish. This systematic approach to controlling and eliminating segments of the Ukrainian population amplifies the context of war crimes and highlights a possible intent for genocide.
The rhetoric from Russian officials and TV personalities only reinforces the darkness. Their message is clear and consistent: Ukraine has no right to exist. They call for the complete destruction of Ukrainian identity, language, and culture. They dismiss Ukrainians as “brainwashed Russians” and make their objectives painfully obvious. The repeated call for elimination of the Ukrainian state and the Ukrainian people leaves no room for doubt. This isn’t just about winning a war; it’s about erasing an entire nation, and this is happening in real-time.
It’s crucial to understand this isn’t random violence. It is a calculated and deliberate campaign of extermination. This level of intentionality makes the situation that much more disturbing and underlines that there isn’t any room for interpretation. These actions are war crimes and are indicative of something much more sinister. The war itself has become a war crime, and it’s a critical point to consider what the international community can, and will, do.
The destruction of cities in the areas Russia wants to control is another important consideration. Deliberately destroying homes and infrastructure, driving civilians away, and preventing their return is a clear tactic to empty and reshape an area. This is a practice not associated with military objectives, and it can only be seen as a way of cementing a hold over the area, and further implicates the actions as war crimes. Eastern Ukraine and the southern coasts have become a wasteland, which demonstrates the level of calculated actions that have been employed.
The invasion itself was unjustified, but even if we were to suspend all moral judgment, this campaign has involved actions that are not military targets. The core aspect of the invasion is the war crime and this begs the question, what now? Some comments suggest that removing Russia from the Security Council would be a step in the right direction. The point is to hold Russia and its leaders accountable for their actions and prevent further atrocities.
However, the real question is how the international community will respond. Will there be actual consequences? It’s a valid concern that strongly worded statements and condemnations alone won’t be enough. The UN’s role is critical, and it needs to go beyond simply documenting the atrocities. There has to be accountability.
The challenges are obvious. The international institutions tasked with upholding justice often struggle against the self-interests of powerful nations. It is a depressing thought. Yet, the work of documenting and investigating war crimes is vital. Every piece of evidence, every report, every investigation contributes to a future where accountability may be possible. The ICC/ICJ/UN war crimes commissions are incredibly valuable.
The long litany of charges will need to be compiled. Ukraine and Israel have pursued war criminals, and we may see these types of efforts become more common. This is not about being passive, nor is it the point of just making strong statements. It is about action.