Kyiv has strongly condemned the more than 9,000 war crimes committed by Russian forces during their occupation of the city. President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke out against the massacre of over 1,400 civilians in Bucha during the first days of the war. Ukrainian forces regained control of Bucha and Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, in late March 2022 after Russian forces abandoned their attempt to seize the capital.
An observer mission from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights documented at least 73 civilian deaths during the period that Bucha was under Russian control. Moscow has denied allegations of a massacre against the civilian population and claims that Kyiv manipulated the scenario to gain international support.
President Zelensky honored the victims of war at a remembrance wall near St. Andrew’s Church in Kyiv. The ceremony was attended by heads of state, government officials and parliament members. President Zelensky emphasized the importance of defending people’s lives, statehood and unity in humanity in face of conflict.
The Ukrainian government has been working tirelessly to hold those responsible for these heinous crimes accountable through international legal channels. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is currently investigating possible war crimes committed during Russia’s invasion into Ukraine.
The international community has expressed its outrage and condemnation towards Russia for its actions in Ukraine. Countries around the world have imposed sanctions on Russia and provided aid to Ukraine to help them defend themselves against further aggression.
In conclusion, it is important to remember those who lost their lives due to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, and continue to work towards holding those responsible accountable for their actions through international legal channels while supporting Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself from further aggression.
