The Russo-Ukrainian War: New Evidence From the United Nations on War Crimes

By Emily Stokes

It is now the eighth month of the Russian and Ukrainian War and with more than seven million people fleeing the country and over 4 million refugees registered for temporary protection across Europe, the war pushes on still. In the eight months that have passed so far, the war has managed to set many precedents. With the active effects of globalization and the density of countries in Europe, this escalates the pressure and stakes of the situation. This conflict affects more than just the two countries involved because of our focus on trade and diplomacy in 2022. It also has the unique element of social media to share the visual horrors of war with the world in real time. Many platforms of social media have been used by those directly living through the war in order to share videos and photos of the war and also Russian occupation. Some even document Russian war crimes like never before. A growing list of human rights violations has been pushed back into the limelight and many are questioning what action can be taken next, if any, against the Kremlin’s forces to stop the death toll from rising any further.

The United Nations has appointed a panel of experts who released a report on the Russian war crimes in Ukraine.

The report details that in lieu of the evidence compiled, there is reasonable grounds to believe that “an array of war crimes, violations of human rights and international humanitarian law have been committed in Ukraine.” When releasing the report, the Independent International Commission even said that “given the gravity of the identified violations, there is an undeniable need for accountability”. These crimes have occurred while the Russian invasion has turned to Russian occupations in cities such as Chernihiv, the historical northern city known for its architectural monuments, or Kharkiv and Kyiv, the major cultural, scientific, educational, and transport and industrial centers of Ukraine. The crimes documented thus far are nothing short of horrifying and continue to push the limits of humanity. The world has not been in such a unique position to be able to watch as these events unfold on blast for the world to see.

The addition of cell phones into the lives of many within recent times allow for a vision into the future of war and what we can do about it.

As the losses rise for those involved in the war’s combat missions, the death toll and mental toll is also just as significant for the civilians, both being killed innocently as part of the bombings and Russian war crimes that continue to spread fear across the country. 8 months have passed but the damage done makes the world grieve in more ways than one. The precedence of this conflict raises many questions including the most vital one involving human life. How many more will have to be tortured, displaced, and executed?