In Izium, Ukraine, a woman gathers firewood from a ruined school formerly occupied by Russian forces, symbolising the ongoing destruction wrought by war. Today marks three years since Russia launched a large-scale invasion, with the international community documenting these atrocities since day one. Cities like Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Mariupol have suffered relentless bombing, blatantly disregarding wartime laws and civilian safety.
The grim reality extends beyond bombings; Russian forces have forcibly transferred civilians to their territories, committing war crimes. The appalling mass abduction of Ukrainian children prompted the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for Russian leaders, highlighting the systematic nature of these violations. Amidst these discussions, the Trump administration is considering negotiations to end the conflict, raising concerns regarding justice for Ukraine.
In any negotiations, three critical issues must remain a priority: first, accountability for war crimes must not be sidelined. Victims deserve justice, alongside effective investigations and reparations. Second, the safety of civilian detainees and POWs should be non-negotiable, with urgent calls for the release of detainees from Russian custody and the repatriation of all captured individuals.
Finally, Russia’s role as an occupying power necessitates ongoing investigations into violations of international laws. The complexities of Ukraine’s future are unfolding, but the demand for justice for victims remains steadfast. Justice cannot be a bargaining chip; it must be sacrosanct amid negotiations.
Today marks three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with significant atrocities recorded. Key issues for negotiation include holding war criminals accountable, ensuring the safety of detainees, and ongoing investigations into occupation violations. The conversation around ending the war must not sacrifice justice for the victims of Russian aggression.
Justice for victims of the Russian invasion must remain a priority in any potential negotiations. Holding war criminals accountable, ensuring the safety of detainees, and continuing investigations into violations are not just legal concerns but moral imperatives. As the situation evolves, the demand for justice and accountability should never be compromised.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
