Ukraine probing over 21,000 alleged Russian war crimes

by IANS |

Kiev, July 7 (IANS) Ukrainian Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova said that over 21,000 war crimes and crimes of aggression allegedly committed by Russia since it began its invasion of Kiev on February 24 is being investigated.

Speaking to the BBC on Wednesday, Venediktova claimed that she was receiving reports of between 200 to 300 war crimes on a daily basis.

She admitted that many trials would be held in absentia, but stressed that it was "a question of justice" to continue with the prosecutions.

Venediktova told the BBC that Russian soldiers who killed, tortured or raped civilians "should understand that it's only a question of time when they all will be in court".

She said that although her team was working in regions across Ukraine, it was unable to investigate all cases "properly and effectively" because of a lack of access to some people and areas.

In May, Venediktova had said that about 600 suspects had already been identified and 80 prosecutions had begun.

The first Russian soldier to be put on trial in Ukraine, Sgt Vadim Shishimarin, was sentenced to life in prison for killing a civilian.

The International Criminal Court has described Ukraine as a "crime scene", dispatching its largest team of detectives ever to the country to assist in multiple investigations.

Russia has however, repeatedly denied all war crimes allegations and claims of targeting civilians.

Latest News
Sensex crosses 74K mark in 1000 points rally Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:42 PM
Man stabbed to death during fight over drinking water Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:41 PM
Actor Mukesh, BJP candidate Ashwini file nominations in Kerala Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:22 PM
Gillespie resigns from his role as South Australia, Adelaide strikers' head coach Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:15 PM
'No scope for individuality in party', Karnataka DyCM Shivakumar warns warring leaders Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:10 PM
Ukrainian FM arrives in India to build on talks between PM Modi, Volodymyr Zelenskyy Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:02 PM
Political conspiracy, claims Kejriwal while being taken to Rouse Avenue Court Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:47 PM
NXP Semiconductors unveils industry-first platform for software-defined vehicles Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:41 PM
CM Vijayan & CPI(M) tread cautiously after ED case against Veena Vijayan Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:37 PM
IPL 2024: 'They opened for Australia...', says Ganguly on DC's opting for Warner, Marsh as opening pair vs PBKS Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:28 PM
India's trade policy is calibrated with economic growth path: Piyush Goyal Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:17 PM
Holi brings cheer to UP excise dept as sales soar Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:11 PM
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann blessed with baby girl Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 02:10 PM
New AI tool can predict fatal heart rhythm with 80 pc accuracy Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 12:41 PM
IPL 2024: 'Perplexed, beyond my understanding', Smith, Pathan slam Hardik's tactics of using Bumrah vs SRH Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 12:27 PM