UN Inquiry Finds Russia committed Further Crimes Against Humanity in Ukraine
Geneva, Switzerland – October 28, 2023 – A United Nations Self-reliant International Commission of Inquiry has determined that the Russian Federation has committed crimes against humanity through systematic actions targeting Ukrainian civilians, extending beyond previously documented offenses. The commission’s latest findings accuse Russian authorities of orchestrating the forced expulsion and transfer of civilians from occupied territories, specifically within the Zaporizhzhia region, alongside a pattern of drone attacks.
This escalation in accusations, building on a May report detailing similar crimes in the Kherson region, underscores a purposeful strategy to destabilize Ukraine and exert control over its population. The commission, established by the UN Human Rights Council following Russia’s February 2022 invasion, asserts these actions represent a notable breach of international law, impacting the lives of countless Ukrainians and raising concerns about broader regional security. The findings are particularly critical as they could contribute to future war crimes prosecutions and shape international policy toward Russia.
The investigation revealed that Russian authorities “systematically coordinated actions to expel Ukrainian civilians from their residence, carrying out drone attacks, as well as carrying out expulsions and transfers,” according to the commission’s report. Previously, the commission concluded that Russian drone strikes along a 100-kilometer stretch in Kherson constituted a crime against humanity. The scope of the current investigation expands this assessment to an area exceeding 300 kilometers, encompassing regions along the Dniepr River – Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Mykolaiv.
The UN body explicitly categorizes the forced transfer of populations as crimes against humanity, while also classifying deportations and forced transfers as war crimes. These findings add to a growing body of evidence documenting alleged atrocities committed during the ongoing conflict, and highlight the urgent need for accountability and justice for victims.
Recent economic pressures on Russia, including the sale of foreign assets by lukoil in response to US sanctions, may further complicate the geopolitical landscape as the conflict continues.
