Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos Ukraine claimed on Saturday (May 18) that Russian shelling targeted civilians in two cities in the northeastern region of Kharkiv.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos Ukraine claimed on Saturday (May 18) that Russian shelling targeted civilians in two cities in the northeastern region of Kharkiv. A report by the news agency Reuters said that Ukrainian prosecutors were investigating a Russian air strike on a residential area of the regional capital Kharkiv in which six civilians were wounded, including a 13-year-old girl, 16-year-old male and an eight-year-old as a potential war crime Prosecutors said that about 70 kilometres to the northeast in Vovchansk, Russian shelling killed a 60-year-old woman and injured three other civilians. Also read | Russia claims to have captured another village in Kharkiv region, Ukraine struggles on eastern front Since the war began in late February 2022, Russia has denied deliberately targeting civilians but thousands have been killed and injured. 'Ukrainian forces on surer footing' The above developments came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly video address that the military was on surer footing, particularly in Kharkiv. "The occupier (Russia) is losing its infantry and equipment, a tangible loss, even though, just as in 2022, it was counting on a quick advance on our land," President Zelensky added. Also watch | Future of war: Will private military contractors take over? | WION Decodes × Zelensky also said his forces repelled an assault farther south in the eastern Donetsk region around Chasiv Yar, a city seen as a key target in the Russian offensive. "Our soldiers destroyed more than 20 units of the occupier's armoured vehicles," he added. Russia shoots down Tochka-U missile fired by Ukraine Meanwhile, across the border in Russia's Belgorod region, Moscow's defence ministry said on Saturday that its forces shot down a Tochka-U missile fired by Ukraine. Later in the day, Belgorod regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said a Ukrainian drone attack injured a woman and a man in the village of Petrovka. They were treated for shrapnel injuries, Gladkov said in a post on Telegram. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war: Russian shelling targets civilians in two cities in Kharkiv, claims Kyiv

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for top Russian commanders Sergei Kobylash and Viktor Sokolov, on Tuesday (Mar 5) over alleged war crimes that they committed in Ukraine amid the ongoing war.&nbsp;

Kobylash, an army lieutenant general and Sokolov, a navy admiral, were named as the ICC issued a second round of arrest warrants against Russian officials related to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine claims sinking yet another Russian warship in the Black Sea

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<h2>Allegations against Russian commanders</h2>

The Hague-based ICC, in a statement, said that they have reasonable grounds to believe that the two were responsible for “missile strikes carried out by the forces under their command against the Ukrainian electric infrastructure from at least 10 October 2022 until at least 9 March 2023”.&nbsp;

It added, “During this timeframe, there was an alleged campaign of strikes against numerous electric power plants and sub-stations, which were carried out by the Russian armed forces in multiple locations in Ukraine.”

The court also noted that these attacks caused civilian harm and damage which was clearly excessive.&nbsp;

However, since Russia does not recognise the ICC it is highly likely that the Russian commanders will ever be deported to face the charges.&nbsp;

In 2022, the ICC also issued an arrest for President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s presidential commissioner for children’s rights.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-to-have-sunk-russian-warship-near-crimea-using-sea-drones-696813">Ukraine claims to have sunk Russian warship near Crimea using sea drones</a>

The two Russian commanders, according to ICC, “are each allegedly responsible for the war crime of directing attacks at civilian objects,” “war crime of causing excessive incidental harm to civilians or damage to civilian objects,” and “crime against humanity of inhumane acts”. &nbsp;

At the time of the alleged crimes, Kobylash, 58, was the commander of the so-called long-range aviation of the Russian air force and Sokolov, 61, was an admiral in the Russian navy who commanded the Black Sea Fleet, according to the ICC.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine, rights group&nbsp;welcome arrest warrants</h2>

“Every Russian commander who orders strikes against Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure must know that justice will be served,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a post on X welcoming the arrest warrants.&nbsp;

He added, “Every perpetrator of such crimes must know that they will be held accountable.”

The exact details, specific incidents, and possible victims have been kept a secret amid the ongoing investigation, said the ICC.&nbsp;

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-asks-nationals-to-relocate-to-safe-areas-in-israel-after-kerala-based-man-dies-in-missile-attack-696839">&nbsp;India asks nationals to relocate to safe areas in Israel after Kerala-based man dies in missile attack</a>

“By issuing arrest warrants for Kobylash and Sokolov, the ICC has demonstrated that it will pursue cases to the top of the chain of command,” said Erica Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s senior director for research, advocacy, and policy, in a statement.&nbsp;

She also called on member states to ensure that the Russian commanders are arrested if they choose to leave Russia.&nbsp;

“In addition to ICC fugitives, President Putin and Ms Lvova-Belova, the international community must ensure that Mr Kobylash or Mr Sokolov are immediately arrested and surrendered to the ICC if they leave Russia,” Rosas added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for top Russian commanders Sergei Kobylash and Viktor Sokolov, on Tuesday (Mar 5) over alleged war crimes that they committed in Ukraine amid the ongoing war.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for top Russian commanders Sergei Kobylash and Viktor Sokolov, on Tuesday (Mar 5) over alleged war crimes that they committed in Ukraine amid the ongoing war. Kobylash, an army lieutenant general and Sokolov, a navy admiral, were named as the ICC issued a second round of arrest warrants against Russian officials related to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. WATCH | Ukraine claims sinking yet another Russian warship in the Black Sea Allegations against Russian commanders The Hague-based ICC, in a statement, said that they have reasonable grounds to believe that the two were responsible for “missile strikes carried out by the forces under their command against the Ukrainian electric infrastructure from at least 10 October 2022 until at least 9 March 2023”. It added, “During this timeframe, there was an alleged campaign of strikes against numerous electric power plants and sub-stations, which were carried out by the Russian armed forces in multiple locations in Ukraine.” The court also noted that these attacks caused civilian harm and damage which was clearly excessive. However, since Russia does not recognise the ICC it is highly likely that the Russian commanders will ever be deported to face the charges. In 2022, the ICC also issued an arrest for President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s presidential commissioner for children’s rights. Also Read | Ukraine claims to have sunk Russian warship near Crimea using sea drones The two Russian commanders, according to ICC, “are each allegedly responsible for the war crime of directing attacks at civilian objects,” “war crime of causing excessive incidental harm to civilians or damage to civilian objects,” and “crime against humanity of inhumane acts”. At the time of the alleged crimes, Kobylash, 58, was the commander of the so-called long-range aviation of the Russian air force and Sokolov, 61, was an admiral in the Russian navy who commanded the Black Sea Fleet, according to the ICC. Ukraine, rights group welcome arrest warrants “Every Russian commander who orders strikes against Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure must know that justice will be served,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a post on X welcoming the arrest warrants. He added, “Every perpetrator of such crimes must know that they will be held accountable.” The exact details, specific incidents, and possible victims have been kept a secret amid the ongoing investigation, said the ICC. Also Read | India asks nationals to relocate to safe areas in Israel after Kerala-based man dies in missile attack “By issuing arrest warrants for Kobylash and Sokolov, the ICC has demonstrated that it will pursue cases to the top of the chain of command,” said Erica Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s senior director for research, advocacy, and policy, in a statement. She also called on member states to ensure that the Russian commanders are arrested if they choose to leave Russia. “In addition to ICC fugitives, President Putin and Ms Lvova-Belova, the international community must ensure that Mr Kobylash or Mr Sokolov are immediately arrested and surrendered to the ICC if they leave Russia,” Rosas added. (With inputs from agencies)

ICC issues arrest warrants for top Russian commanders over suspected war crimes in Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron is willing to make the hard choice. In a wide-ranging speech at an EU leaders' conference, Macron said it may not be possible to send Putin to face war crime trials when he is the only one that can negotiate an end to the Ukraine war.

French President Emmanuel Macron is willing to make the hard choice. In a wide-ranging speech at an EU leaders' conference, Macron said it may not be possible to send Putin to face war crime trials when he is the only one that can negotiate an end to the Ukraine war. In the frankest remark yet by a Western leader, Macron said it would be putting the stakeholders in an impossible situation if such a choice is not made. “The timing issue – and this is where I want to be very transparent and honest with you. The question is if in a few months to come, you have a window for negotiation with the existing Russian political power, the question will be an arbitrage between a trial and a negotiation, I will be very frank with you," said Macron. “And you will have to negotiate with the leaders you have, de facto, even if the day after you will have to judge them in front of them of the international justice. So this is a question of articulation. Because otherwise, you can put yourselves just in an impossible situation where you say: ‘I want you to go to jail, but you are the only one I can negotiate with,’” he added. Offer Ukraine security guarantees: Macron Earlier, Macron called on the West to offer Ukraine "tangible and credible" security guarantees as the war lingers. "We provide plenty of weapons to Ukraine, but we have not added it to any strategic security dialogue. If we want to carry weight with Russia, if we want to be credible to the Ukrainians, we must give Ukraine the means to prevent any further aggression and include it in sustainable security architecture," said Macron "That is why I'm in favour, and this will be the subject of collective talks in the following weeks...to offer tangible and credible security guarantees to Ukraine," he added. WATCH | NATO meet: Emmanuel Macron urges tangible security guarantees for Kyiv × Macron's clarity Macron, in recent months, has emerged as one of the few Western leaders that has absolute clarity regarding contentious global issues. After visiting China in April, Macron advised Europe saying it must strive for 'neutrality' on the Taiwan issue, adding that the bloc cannot be a follower of either the US or China. “The question Europeans need to answer...is it in our interest to accelerate [a crisis] on Taiwan? No. The worse thing would be to think that we Europeans must become followers on this topic and take our cue from the US agenda and a Chinese overreaction,” Macron told French business daily Les Echos and Politico on his plane journey back home. ALSO READ | Macron warns EU must not take US, China side on Taiwan issue after Beijing visit Even then, Macron cited the example of the Russia-Ukraine war where the EU, despite its relative cohesion, had not been able to resolve the situation. “Europeans cannot resolve the crisis in Ukraine; how can we credibly say on Taiwan, ‘watch out, if you do something wrong we will be there’? If you really want to increase tensions that’s the way to do it.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Faustian bargain? Negotiation with Putin more important than war crime trials, says Macron

The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (March 17) issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes because of his alleged involvement in the&nbsp; abduction and "unlawful deportation" of Ukrainian children. 
 
The Hague-based ICC said it had also issued a warrant against Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation,&nbsp;on similar charges.&nbsp;

The statement issued by the court said that Putin "is allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation."

Ukraine’s presidency welcomed the International Criminal Court’s decision and said that this was just an initial step in restoring justice.

“The Hague Chamber of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin. This is just the beginning,” Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said on social media.

Ukraine’s chief prosecutor echoed the sentiment.

“The world received a signal that the Russian regime is criminal and its leadership and henchmen will be held accountable,” Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said in a statement on social media. 
 
“This is a historic decision for Ukraine and the entire system of international law,” Kostin added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ukrainian&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the decision. "This is an historic decision which will lead to historic accountability. The head of the terrorist state and another official have officially become suspects in a war crimes case," he said.

"In criminal cases that are being investigated by our law enforcement there are more than 16,000 instances of forcible deportation of Ukrainian children by occupiers. But the real, complete number of deported could be much larger. It would have been impossible to enact such a criminal operation without the say-so of the man at the helm of the terrorist state," he added.

"To part children from their families, to prevent them from contacting their relatives, to hide children on the territory of Russia, to disseminate them around far-flung regions is clearly state policy of Russia, state decisions and state evil, which starts precisely with the top official of this state," Zelensky further stated.

UK's Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab&nbsp;said that it would be a "long journey" until Putin is brought to justice. United States President Joe Biden called the step "justified", stating that the move "makes a very strong point".&nbsp;

Quite expectedly, Russia has said that the warrant issued by the ICC has ‘no meaning’ and is ‘legally void’.

"The decisions of the International Criminal Court have no meaning for our country, including from a legal point of view," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on social media.

"Russia is not a party of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and bears no obligations under it," she added.&nbsp;

"Russia does not cooperate with this body and possible 'recipes' for arrest coming from the international court will be legally void as far as we are concerned," she said without referring to Putin by name.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (March 17) issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes because of his alleged involvement in the abduction and "unlawful deportation" of Ukrainian children.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday (March 17) issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes because of his alleged involvement in the abduction and "unlawful deportation" of Ukrainian children. The Hague-based ICC said it had also issued a warrant against Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation, on similar charges. The statement issued by the court said that Putin "is allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation." Ukraine’s presidency welcomed the International Criminal Court’s decision and said that this was just an initial step in restoring justice. “The Hague Chamber of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin. This is just the beginning,” Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said on social media. Ukraine’s chief prosecutor echoed the sentiment. “The world received a signal that the Russian regime is criminal and its leadership and henchmen will be held accountable,” Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said in a statement on social media. “This is a historic decision for Ukraine and the entire system of international law,” Kostin added. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the decision. "This is an historic decision which will lead to historic accountability. The head of the terrorist state and another official have officially become suspects in a war crimes case," he said. "In criminal cases that are being investigated by our law enforcement there are more than 16,000 instances of forcible deportation of Ukrainian children by occupiers. But the real, complete number of deported could be much larger. It would have been impossible to enact such a criminal operation without the say-so of the man at the helm of the terrorist state," he added. "To part children from their families, to prevent them from contacting their relatives, to hide children on the territory of Russia, to disseminate them around far-flung regions is clearly state policy of Russia, state decisions and state evil, which starts precisely with the top official of this state," Zelensky further stated. UK's Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said that it would be a "long journey" until Putin is brought to justice. United States President Joe Biden called the step "justified", stating that the move "makes a very strong point". Quite expectedly, Russia has said that the warrant issued by the ICC has ‘no meaning’ and is ‘legally void’. "The decisions of the International Criminal Court have no meaning for our country, including from a legal point of view," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on social media. "Russia is not a party of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and bears no obligations under it," she added. "Russia does not cooperate with this body and possible 'recipes' for arrest coming from the international court will be legally void as far as we are concerned," she said without referring to Putin by name. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant against Putin over war crimes in Ukraine

Germany's prosecutor general said on Sunday (February 5) that his office was in possession of 'hundreds' of pieces of evidence that point to war crimes by Russian forces in Ukraine. He called for international effort to bring leaders to justice. "At the moment, we are focusing on mass killings in Bucha and attacks on Ukraine's civil infrastructure," prosecutor Peter Frank told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

Frank said that most of the evidence was gathered from interviews with Ukrainian refugees. He added that the goal was now to "prepare for a possible later court case — whether in Germany or with our foreign partners or an international court".

Frank's office has previously used the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows the prosecution of certain grave crimes regardless of where they took place, to try Syrians over atrocities committed during the country's civil war.

Under the same principle, a group of people from Myanmar last month filed a criminal complaint in Germany, accusing their country's military of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Frank said his office had begun its Ukraine inquiry in March 2022.

"We are not targeting certain specific people in the investigation but rather are collecting information and evidence," he said.

He acknowledged, however, that prosecution of suspected war criminals in Germany was possible only if they were in the country.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock last month called for a tribunal to get around the fact that the International Criminal Court (ICC), despite launching it own investigation last year, cannot prosecute Russia for any possible war crimes since neither Russia nor Ukraine are members of the Hague-based court.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Germany's prosecutor general said on Sunday (February 5) that his office was in possession of 'hundreds' of pieces of evidence that point to war crimes by Russian forces in Ukraine.

Germany's prosecutor general said on Sunday (February 5) that his office was in possession of 'hundreds' of pieces of evidence that point to war crimes by Russian forces in Ukraine. He called for international effort to bring leaders to justice. "At the moment, we are focusing on mass killings in Bucha and attacks on Ukraine's civil infrastructure," prosecutor Peter Frank told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper. Frank said that most of the evidence was gathered from interviews with Ukrainian refugees. He added that the goal was now to "prepare for a possible later court case — whether in Germany or with our foreign partners or an international court". Frank's office has previously used the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows the prosecution of certain grave crimes regardless of where they took place, to try Syrians over atrocities committed during the country's civil war. Under the same principle, a group of people from Myanmar last month filed a criminal complaint in Germany, accusing their country's military of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Frank said his office had begun its Ukraine inquiry in March 2022. "We are not targeting certain specific people in the investigation but rather are collecting information and evidence," he said. He acknowledged, however, that prosecution of suspected war criminals in Germany was possible only if they were in the country. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock last month called for a tribunal to get around the fact that the International Criminal Court (ICC), despite launching it own investigation last year, cannot prosecute Russia for any possible war crimes since neither Russia nor Ukraine are members of the Hague-based court. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Germany talks of ‘hundreds’ of pieces of war crime evidence in Ukraine

The European Union would attempt to establish a specialised court, supported by the United Nations, to look into and prosecute any potential war crimes perpetrated by Russia in Ukraine, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.&nbsp;

For this specialised court, von der Leyen added, "We are ready to start working with the international community to get the broadest international support possible for this specialised court."&nbsp;

Ukraine has pushed for the establishment of a special court to try the military and political figures in Russia who it believes were responsible for beginning the conflict.

Days after Moscow's invasion on February 24, the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) opened its own investigation into alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes, although it lacks the authority to bring charges for aggression in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Von der Leyen stated, "While continuing to support the International Criminal Court, we are proposing to set up a specialised court, backed by the United Nations, to investigate and prosecute Russia's crime of aggression."&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-import-of-russian-lng-jumps-42-amid-russia-ukraine-war-report-538720">Europe's import of Russian LNG jumps 42% amid Russia-Ukraine war: Report</a>

Russia has denied designating people as a target of its actions in Ukraine, which it refers to as a "special military operation."

In an effort to hold those responsible for alleged atrocities in Ukraine accountable, the G7 decided on Tuesday to establish a network to coordinate war crime investigations.&nbsp;

Despite the fact that the crime is recognised by international law, Ukraine is now without a specific court or tribunal to turn to.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The European Union would attempt to establish a specialised court, supported by the United Nations, to look into and prosecute any potential war crimes perpetrated by Russia in Ukraine, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The European Union would attempt to establish a specialised court, supported by the United Nations, to look into and prosecute any potential war crimes perpetrated by Russia in Ukraine, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. For this specialised court, von der Leyen added, "We are ready to start working with the international community to get the broadest international support possible for this specialised court." Ukraine has pushed for the establishment of a special court to try the military and political figures in Russia who it believes were responsible for beginning the conflict. Days after Moscow's invasion on February 24, the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) opened its own investigation into alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes, although it lacks the authority to bring charges for aggression in Ukraine. Von der Leyen stated, "While continuing to support the International Criminal Court, we are proposing to set up a specialised court, backed by the United Nations, to investigate and prosecute Russia's crime of aggression." Also Read: Europe's import of Russian LNG jumps 42% amid Russia-Ukraine war: Report Russia has denied designating people as a target of its actions in Ukraine, which it refers to as a "special military operation." In an effort to hold those responsible for alleged atrocities in Ukraine accountable, the G7 decided on Tuesday to establish a network to coordinate war crime investigations. Despite the fact that the crime is recognised by international law, Ukraine is now without a specific court or tribunal to turn to. (With inputs from agencies)

EU to set up tribunal backed by UN to investigate possible Russian war crimes in Ukraine

The United States on Monday said that Russia in its invasion of its neighbour had engaged in a number of atrocities, including the murder, torture, and kidnapping of Ukrainian citizens, crimes which might&nbsp;implicate high-ranking authorities in war crimes.

US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice Beth Van Schaack was quoted by AFP as saying that there was mounting evidence that the invasion "has been accompanied by systemic war crimes committed in every region where Russian forces have been deployed."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Russia: Ukraine has executed prisoners of war; over 10 MN Ukrainians face power outage

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"When we're seeing such systemic acts, including the creation of a vast filtration network, it's very hard to imagine how these crimes could be committed without responsibility going all the way up the chain of command," she said.

Van Schaack called the situation a "new Nuremberg moment," referring to the war crimes trials that took place in the German city at the conclusion of World War II.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-are-war-crimes-what-are-the-rules-of-war-460670">What are war crimes? What are the rules of war?</a>

The ambassador who represents the United States in front of global bodies investigating war crimes and other atrocities declined to specify whether the Russian premiere Vladimir Putin could be prosecuted for the alleged war crimes.&nbsp;

However, she said that human rights officials are closely examining a video that surfaced over the weekend and suggests that Ukrainian troops may have murdered Russian prisoners of war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-denies-executing-russian-prisoners-or-war-535888">Ukraine denies executing Russian prisoners of war</a>

Talking to reporters she claimed that the recently liberated areas of Ukraine show evidence of "deliberate, indiscriminate and disproportionate" &nbsp;attacks on civilian populations, mistreatment of POWs and civilians in custody, the forcible filtration of Ukrainian citizens, including children, to Russia, as well as execution-style murders and sexual violence.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States on Monday said that Russia in its invasion of its neighbour had engaged in a number of atrocities, including the murder, torture, and kidnapping of Ukrainian citizens, crimes which might implicate high-ranking authorities in war crimes.

The United States on Monday said that Russia in its invasion of its neighbour had engaged in a number of atrocities, including the murder, torture, and kidnapping of Ukrainian citizens, crimes which might implicate high-ranking authorities in war crimes. US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice Beth Van Schaack was quoted by AFP as saying that there was mounting evidence that the invasion "has been accompanied by systemic war crimes committed in every region where Russian forces have been deployed." Watch | Russia: Ukraine has executed prisoners of war; over 10 MN Ukrainians face power outage "When we're seeing such systemic acts, including the creation of a vast filtration network, it's very hard to imagine how these crimes could be committed without responsibility going all the way up the chain of command," she said. Van Schaack called the situation a "new Nuremberg moment," referring to the war crimes trials that took place in the German city at the conclusion of World War II. Also read | What are war crimes? What are the rules of war? The ambassador who represents the United States in front of global bodies investigating war crimes and other atrocities declined to specify whether the Russian premiere Vladimir Putin could be prosecuted for the alleged war crimes. However, she said that human rights officials are closely examining a video that surfaced over the weekend and suggests that Ukrainian troops may have murdered Russian prisoners of war. Also read | Ukraine denies executing Russian prisoners of war Talking to reporters she claimed that the recently liberated areas of Ukraine show evidence of "deliberate, indiscriminate and disproportionate" attacks on civilian populations, mistreatment of POWs and civilians in custody, the forcible filtration of Ukrainian citizens, including children, to Russia, as well as execution-style murders and sexual violence. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US calls the situation in Ukraine a 'new Nuremberg moment', alleges 'systemic' war crimes by Russia

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Moscow has accused Ukraine of executing more than 10 Russian Prisoners of War (PoW) after a gruesome video of surrendering soldiers being gunned to death went viral on social media platforms. "This brutal murder of Russian servicemen is neither the first, nor the only war crime," the Russian defence ministry said. "This is common practice in the Armed Forces of Ukraine that is actively supported by the Kyiv regime and blatantly ignored by its Western patrons," it added. Killing PoWs is a war crime and the video shows what appear to be Russian soldiers in the Makiivka city of the Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine. The video shows a dilapidated building structure and its backyard in the aftermath of a severe gunfight between the two sides. (Warning: The video is graphic in nature and some viewers may find it disturbing) Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. The footage, allegedly taken by a Ukrainian soldier shows the Russian unarmed soldiers lying face down on the ground after surrendering. Two more Russian soldiers with hands raised over their heads come out of the building and join their fellow unit soldiers on the ground. The Ukrainian unit of soldiers can be seen wearing yellow armbands. However, as the video nears the end, a sudden spraying of bullets can be heard with the camera shaking rather vigorously, suggesting that the Russian soldiers were butchered on the spot, according to pro-Russian outlets. WATCH | Russia: Ukraine has executed prisoners of war; over 10 MN Ukrainians face power outage × The drone footage that appeared later shows the same spot and the house where the bodies of the 'surrendering soldiers' seemingly lie lifeless and in a pool of blood. While pro-Ukrainian outlets claim that the soldiers were killed in a drone strike, the Russian side believes that Ukraine's 80th airborne assault brigade massacred its personnel. Marta Hurtado, a spokesperson for the UN Humans Rights office said the body was aware of the video and demanded a proper investigation into the matter. "We are aware of the videos and we are looking into them. Allegations of summary executions of people hors de combat should be promptly, fully and effectively investigated, and any perpetrators held to account." Read more: Satellite images show civilian deaths in Ukraine's Bucha street (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Did Ukrainian soldiers butcher unarmed, surrendering Russian soldiers?

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday made an unannounced visit to the recaptured southern city of&nbsp;Kherson. He thanked allies for the support the country has received. Earlier, Zelensky in his nightly video address on Sunday, had said Russian soldiers committed war crimes and killed civilians in the region.

"We are moving forward," he said in an address to Ukrainian troops, thanking NATO and other allies for their continuing support in the war against Russia.

"We are ready for peace, peace for all our country."

"Investigators have already documented more than 400 Russian war crimes. Bodies of dead civilians and servicemen have been found," Zelensky said.

"The Russian army left behind the same savagery it did in other regions of the country it entered," he said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-railways-offer-symbolic-tickets-celebrating-victory-in-kherson-533807">Ukraine railways offer symbolic tickets celebrating victory in Kherson</a>

Mass graves have been routinely found in several places across Ukraine over the past few months. Civilian bodies showing evidence of torture were discovered in the Kharkiv region and in Bucha, near Kyiv. Ukraine had accused Russian troops of committing the crimes.

A United Nations commission in October had also accused Russia of committing war crimes in Ukraine and of a "vast majority" of human rights violations in the early weeks of the war.

Russian troops had been holding Kherson, the only regional capital it was able to capture, since the start of the invasion in February. Ukrainian troops arrived in the centre of southern Kherson region on Friday after it was abandoned by Moscow. There were heart-warming scenes on the streets as the villagers greeted the soldiers with flowers who poured in to secure control of the right bank of the Dnipro River.

Artillery exchanges could be heard on Sunday, but that did not stop people from gathering on Kherson's main square to celebrate the occasion. They tried to catch mobile phone signals from Starlink ground stations carried on Ukrainian military vehicles.

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The governor of Kherson region, Yaroslav Yanushevych, said they will maintain a curfew from 5 pm to 8 am and ban people from leaving or entering the city as a security measure.

"The enemy mined all critical infrastructure," Yanushevych told Ukrainian TV. "We are trying to meet within a few days and (then) open the city," he said.

He asked citizens to stay away from the centre of the city as demining operations were due to happen. Zelensky also warned Kherson residents about the presence of Russian mines. "I am asking you please not to forget that the situation in Kherson region remains very dangerous," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday made an unannounced visit to the recaptured southern city of Kherson. He thanked allies for the support the country has received. Earlier, Zelensky in his nightly video address on Sunday, had said Russian soldiers committed war crimes and killed civilians in the region. "We are moving forward," he said in an address to Ukrainian troops, thanking NATO and other allies for their continuing support in the war against Russia. "We are ready for peace, peace for all our country." "Investigators have already documented more than 400 Russian war crimes. Bodies of dead civilians and servicemen have been found," Zelensky said. "The Russian army left behind the same savagery it did in other regions of the country it entered," he said. Also Read | Ukraine railways offer symbolic tickets celebrating victory in Kherson Mass graves have been routinely found in several places across Ukraine over the past few months. Civilian bodies showing evidence of torture were discovered in the Kharkiv region and in Bucha, near Kyiv. Ukraine had accused Russian troops of committing the crimes. A United Nations commission in October had also accused Russia of committing war crimes in Ukraine and of a "vast majority" of human rights violations in the early weeks of the war. Russian troops had been holding Kherson, the only regional capital it was able to capture, since the start of the invasion in February. Ukrainian troops arrived in the centre of southern Kherson region on Friday after it was abandoned by Moscow. There were heart-warming scenes on the streets as the villagers greeted the soldiers with flowers who poured in to secure control of the right bank of the Dnipro River. Artillery exchanges could be heard on Sunday, but that did not stop people from gathering on Kherson's main square to celebrate the occasion. They tried to catch mobile phone signals from Starlink ground stations carried on Ukrainian military vehicles. × The governor of Kherson region, Yaroslav Yanushevych, said they will maintain a curfew from 5 pm to 8 am and ban people from leaving or entering the city as a security measure. "The enemy mined all critical infrastructure," Yanushevych told Ukrainian TV. "We are trying to meet within a few days and (then) open the city," he said. He asked citizens to stay away from the centre of the city as demining operations were due to happen. Zelensky also warned Kherson residents about the presence of Russian mines. "I am asking you please not to forget that the situation in Kherson region remains very dangerous," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky visits Kherson after accusing Russia of committing over 400 war crimes