Washington D.C./19.02.23/Turan: The U.S. government has formally determined that Russia has committed crimes against humanity during its war in Ukraine, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.
"Based on a careful analysis of the law and available facts, I have determined that members of Russia’s forces and other Russian officials have committed crimes against humanity in Ukraine," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a Saturday statement.
Members of Russia’s forces "have committed execution-style killings of Ukrainian men, women, and children; torture of civilians in detention through beatings, electrocution, and mock executions; rape; and, alongside other Russian officials, have deported hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian civilians to Russia, including children who have been forcibly separated from their families," Blinken nored.
"These acts are not random or spontaneous; they are part of the Kremlin’s widespread and systematic attack against Ukraine's civilian population," he explained.
Washington will reserve crimes against humanity determinations for the most egregious crimes.
"Today’s determination underlines the staggering extent of the human suffering inflicted by Moscow on the Ukrainian civilian population. This determination also reflects the deep commitment of the United States to holding members of Russia’s forces and other Russian officials accountable for their atrocities against the people of Ukraine," Blinken noted.
He went on to add, "There can be no impunity for these crimes. All those responsible must be held accountable. As today’s determination shows, the United States will pursue justice for the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes."
According to a State Department factsheet, justice and human rights accountability are central pillars of the U.S.’ policy on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Washington is "focused on" supporting those efforts most likely to bring perpetrators to justice.
"While the brutal war of choice that President Putin is waging against Ukraine has caused immense suffering, it has also given rise to unprecedented coordinated international action to ensure that those responsible for atrocities in Ukraine are held accountable, whether through domestic judicial processes or international mechanisms and institutions," the Department said.
Blinken on Saturday met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Munich and the two discussed ongoing preparations for February 24, including planned engagements at the UN, OSCE, and other multilateral fora.
"The Secretary previewed upcoming security and economic assistance packages for Ukraine and reaffirmed President Biden’s statement that the United States stands united with Ukraine," State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a readout of the meeting.
Alex Raufoglu
Politics
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