US Vice President Kamala Harris revealed on Saturday that the Biden administration has officially concluded that Russia committed “crimes.” against humanityDuring approx year-long invasion of Ukraine, carrying out “widespread and systematic” attacks on country civilian population.
in the case of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, we checked the evidence, we know Legal standards and there is no doubt: these are crimes against humanityHarris, A former Prosecutor General, he said at the Munich Security Conference.
And I say to all of those who They committed these crimes and their superiors who accomplices in they; You will be held accountable.”
the official The determination that finally came of A legal analysis, led by the US State Department, bears no immediate consequences for ongoing war.
But Washington hopes so help Further isolating Russian President Vladimir Putin and mobilizing legal efforts to convene members of for him government through accountability international Courts and penalties.
Harris’ speech comes senior Western leaders met in Munich assesses the worst conflict in Europe since World War II.
She said Russia was now a “weak” country now that Biden led coalition to punish Putin for The invasion, but Russia is only intensifying its attacks in eastern Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine plans to launch a counteroffensive in the spring, for You seek more, heavier and longer -range weapons from its Western allies.
almost yearThe long war killed dozens of Thousands, uprooted millions from others homesDestroyed global economyAnd made Putin is an outcast in the West.
Washington had already He concluded that the Russian forces were to blame of war crimes, as did a UN-commissioned investigation. Still, the Biden administration’s conclusion is that Russia’s actions amount to “crimes.” against humanityIncludes legal analysis works from murder to widespread, systematic and deliberately targeted rape against civilians. in international Law, seen as a more severe crime.
UNHCR supported by the United Nations of a question on Ukraine has not yet concluded that it has committed war crimes says I have specified amount for crimes against humanity.
‘Barbaric and inhumane’
In her remarks, Harris cited “barbaric and inhumane” scores of victims found in Butcha soon after from Russia invasion last February; March 9 bombing of Maternity hospital in Mariupol, killing three people, including a child; and sexual assault of Fouryear- Drawn by a Russian soldier identified by the UN report.
Organizations supported by USAID for It has documented international development (USAID) more From 30,000 wars crime accidents since invasionaccording to the United States government. Ukrainian officials said they were investigating the bombing of Bakhmut just This week as a possible war crime.
Russia which says it’s runningspecial military proces” in Ukraine to eliminate threats to its security and protect Russian speakers, denied intentionally targeting civilians or committing war crimes.
“Leave us All approval: on On behalf of of All the victims, known and unknown justice Harris said.
The Biden administration has sought to bring in alleged war criminals justiceincluding training Ukrainian interrogators, imposing sanctions, visa bans, and hiking penalties under US war crimes laws.
Washington has spent about $40 million on efforts so far and says He’s working with Congress to secure an additional $38 million.
But the Biden administration ability To impose any such efforts outside its borders – and certainly within Russia – are limited. Evidence collection in The war-torn country has also proven difficult.
International legal bodies are also restricted. at the International Criminal Court, for For example, jurisdiction only extends to member states and countries that have agreed to their jurisdiction, such as Ukraine but not Russia. Kyiv was paying for a new international war crimes organization to focus on Russians invasionMoscow opposed it.
“If Putin believes he can wait us out, Harris said, “He’s sorely mistaken. The time isn’t.” on for him side. “
