Ukraine: We are investigating more than 21,000 war crimes allegations

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Ukraine has announced that it is investigating more than 21,000 war and aggression crimes allegedly committed by Russian forces since the start of the invasion.

Attorney General Irina Venicetova told the BBC they receive between 200 and 300 war crimes reports a day.

Acknowledging that many trials will be held in absentia, Venicetova stated that continuing these investigations is “a question of justice”.

Russia, which invaded Ukraine on February 24, denies all war crimes charges.

The Ukrainian Prosecutor General warned that Russian soldiers who killed, tortured and raped civilians “must realize that it is only a matter of time before they all come to court”.

The Attorney General stressed that although his team works across Ukraine, not all cases can be investigated “properly and effectively” due to the lack of access to some people and areas.

Venicetova stated that 600 suspects were identified in May and 80 investigations were launched.

Russian soldier Sergeant Vadim Shishimarin, who was first tried in Ukraine, was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing a civilian in May.

Ukraine says mass graves have been found in Bucha, Borodiyanka and other towns near the capital Kyiv, which were briefly captured by Russian troops.

The International Criminal Court had described Ukraine as a “crime scene” and sent the largest team of detectives ever to assist with the investigations.

Moscow denies allegations that civilians were targeted.

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