War Crimes in Russia: US Officially Declares Crimes Against Humanity of Russians in Ukraine, Says Secretary of State Antony Blinken

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration officially determined on Wednesday that Russian troops committed war crimes in Ukraine and said it would work with others to prosecute offenders, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

The video featured is from a previous report.

“Today, I can announce that, based on information currently available, the U.S. government believes that members of Russian forces have committed war crimes in Ukraine,” Blinken said in a statement released as he was traveling to Brussels with President Joe Biden for an emergency. summit of NATO leaders.

The assessment was based on a “careful review” of public and intelligence sources since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine last month, he said.

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The top US diplomat said the United States would share this information with allies, partners and international institutions charged with investigating allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

“We have seen many credible reports of indiscriminate attacks and attacks deliberately targeting civilians, as well as other atrocities. Russian forces have destroyed apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, critical infrastructure, civilian vehicles, shopping malls and ambulances, leaving thousands of innocent civilians killed or injured,” Blinken said.

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He cited attacks on the civilian population in the besieged city of Mariupol and elsewhere.