U.S. Accuses Russia of Committing War Crimes in Ukraine

The U.S. State Department on Wednesday formally accused Russia of committing war crimes during the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

“We’ve seen numerous credible reports of indiscriminate attacks and attacks deliberately targeting civilians, as well as other atrocities. Russia’s forces have destroyed apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, critical infrastructure, civilian vehicles, shopping centers, and ambulances, leaving thousands of innocent civilians killed or wounded,” U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said in a statement Wednesday.

Blinken highlighted several instances in the city of Mariupol, including the strike on the maternity hospital as well as the destruction of the drama theater, which was sheltering more than 1,000 civilians.

“As of March 22, officials in besieged Mariupol said that more than 2,400 civilians had been killed in that city alone.  Not including the Mariupol devastation, the United Nations has officially confirmed more than 2,500 civilian casualties, including dead and wounded, and emphasizes the actual toll is likely higher,” Blinken said.

“Today, I can announce that, based on information currently available, the U.S. government assesses that members of Russia’s forces have committed war crimes in Ukraine,” Blinken continued.

The Secretary of State reiterated that war crimes, as any alleged crime, need to be judged in the court of law.

“The U.S. government will continue to track reports of war crimes and will share information we gather with allies, partners, and international institutions and organizations, as appropriate.  We are committed to pursuing accountability using every tool available, including criminal prosecutions,” the statement concluded.