Ukraine says it’s investigating over 178,000 war crimes, a truly staggering figure that paints a grim picture of the conflict’s intensity and the widespread suffering inflicted. When you break it down, that’s an almost unimaginable number of individual instances of potential atrocities that require thorough investigation. It really drives home the enormity of what’s happening and the complex task Ukraine faces in seeking accountability. It’s a testament to their dedication to justice, even amidst the ongoing war.
This number, while shocking in its scale, highlights the sheer breadth of alleged offenses, ranging from targeted killings and torture to attacks on civilian infrastructure and sexual violence.… Continue reading
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.
Read More
On October 23, the Ukrainian military released footage purportedly showing a Russian FPV drone targeting Ukrainian farmers in Donetsk Oblast, with the 12th Brigade Azov describing it as a “safari” of civilians. The video depicts farmers fleeing agricultural equipment as the drone approaches and crashes into a vehicle. This alleged incident adds to the list of reported war crimes. Additionally, reports indicate Russian soldiers killed at least four civilians sheltering in a basement in Zvanivka, Donetsk Oblast, after attempting to obtain information about Ukrainian positions.
Read More
Intercepted communications released by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) allegedly reveal that a commander of a Colombian unit fighting for Russia ordered the execution of civilians, including women and children. The recording, published on October 24, features the commander instructing his unit to open fire on all civilians during poor visibility. According to HUR, this order constitutes a war crime, and the Russian command is aiming to involve foreign mercenaries in such practices. The HUR also noted that the unit has been implicated in the execution of civilians near Pokrovsk.
Read More
According to an interview with the Polish-Belarusian media outlet Vot Tak, a 31-year-old Russian serviceman confessed to participating in the May 2024 execution of five captured Ukrainian soldiers in Donetsk Oblast. The Ukrainian soldiers, allegedly captured near Avdiivka, were reportedly shot in the back of the head after being stripped of their belongings. The Russian serviceman, identified as Ivan Okhlopkov, stated he and others in his battalion carried out the executions under orders, and he currently is in hiding in Donetsk. This confession comes amid growing concerns from Ukraine and the U.N. over the increasing number of executed Ukrainian POWs, with accusations of a systematic policy by Russia to murder captives.
Read More
On July 1, Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported a suspected war crime involving the alleged execution of a Ukrainian prisoner of war, citing a video depicting a captive being dragged by a motorcycle. This incident contributes to mounting evidence of systematic Geneva Convention violations by Russian forces, specifically the killing of Ukrainian captives. Lubinets has communicated with the UN and ICRC about the incident. Reports from HUR and other agencies indicate that these executions are part of a larger, deliberate policy directed by Russia’s military leadership, with confirmed incidents exceeding 150 cases.
Read More
Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) delivered a Senate floor speech condemning Vladimir Putin’s war crimes in Ukraine, specifically citing the Palm Sunday attack on civilians. He asserted that Putin’s aggression is solely responsible for the ongoing conflict and that any peace initiatives have been rejected by Putin, who consistently violates agreements. Wicker commended the Trump administration for setting a timeline for Putin to choose peace and expressed support for bipartisan efforts, including the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, to hold Putin accountable. He concluded that Putin has consistently acted in bad faith, breaking promises throughout the conflict.
Read More
A Russian missile strike on Sumy, Ukraine, killed at least 34 people, including children, and injured 117, prompting widespread condemnation from European leaders. The attack, occurring on Palm Sunday, was denounced as a war crime and a blatant disregard for human life and diplomatic efforts. European nations pledged continued support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Russia, demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Many leaders emphasized the need for stronger sanctions against Russia to force a commitment to peace negotiations.
Read More
Two drone videos, one Ukrainian and one Russian, captured the aftermath of four Ukrainian soldiers surrendering to Russian troops in Piatykhatky. The Ukrainian footage depicts the execution of the prisoners, a clear violation of international law, while the Russian video abruptly cuts before the killings. This incident, one of many documented killings of Ukrainian prisoners of war, highlights concerns that a potential peace deal, coupled with decreased US support for war crimes investigations, may hinder accountability for atrocities committed since the 2022 invasion. Ukrainian officials assert that such killings are part of a deliberate Russian policy, a claim denied by the Kremlin.
Read More
Addressing a summit in Bucha, President Zelenskiy urged the international community to hold Russia accountable for over 183,000 documented war crimes committed since the 2022 invasion. This figure, compiled by Ukraine, excludes crimes in currently occupied territories. Zelenskiy stressed the need for effective international law and sanctions to prevent further atrocities and ensure justice. Investigations are underway domestically and internationally, including by the International Criminal Court, though challenges remain, such as the lack of U.S. and Russian recognition of the court’s jurisdiction.
Read More
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker