Ukraine has identified over 180,000 Russian war criminals – Anti-Corruption Headquarters
Фото: Українське радіо
Investigative journalists and the Anti-Corruption Headquarters have created an online register of war criminals to document war crimes, including over 180,000 Russian soldiers.
Serhiy Mytkalyk, chairman of the NGO board, says he and his colleagues use journalistic investigations, social media, and open sources of information about Russian forces that entered Ukraine.
"We also cooperate with investigative authorities, including the Prosecutor General's Office. However, for objective reasons, the pace of investigation of these crimes is not as fast as [the public] expects. As of today, we have about 170 verdicts against Russians, including State Duma deputies," Mytkalyk said during a press conference.
Regarding the dynamics of criminal investigations and court verdicts for war crimes, Mytkalyk noted that "the Armed Forces of Ukraine carry out the best punishment today. More than 300 thousand killed Russian soldiers, I think, is the best punishment for the occupiers."
He said the ultimate goal is to prove the crimes and bring to justice not only every Russian soldier involved in the war but also the Russian leadership, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"We are building a Ukrainian state governed by the rule of law, and we need to legally prove the crimes of every Russian. If we are going to the EU, we need to use only those legal platforms that we consider necessary. And we must be tolerant, have the time and endurance to get enough evidence to convict not only an ordinary Russian soldier, but also dictator Putin, who organized this crime in the first place. I think that by working together we will definitely do it," said Mytkalyk.
Representatives of many international institutions, including the OSCE, left Ukraine immediately after the start of Russia's full-scale war or a few days before, leaving only law enforcement and Ukrainian human rights organizations to document war crimes, according to Kyiv Post.
