The United States charged four pro-Russian soldiers with war crimes on Wednesday for the abduction and torture of an American national in Ukraine.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said the charges against the four "Russia-affiliated military personnel" were the first to be brought under a US war crimes statute passed by Congress nearly 30 years ago.

Garland, speaking to reporters, said Russian forces in Ukraine had committed "atrocities on the largest scale in any European armed conflict since the Second World War."

"As the world has witnessed the horrors of&nbsp;Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, so has the United States Department of Justice," he said. "The Justice Department will work for as long as it takes to pursue accountability and justice for&nbsp;Russia's war of aggression."

According to the indictment, two of those charged -- Suren Seiranovich Mkrtchyan, 45, and Dmitry Budnik -- were commanding officers of military units of the "Russian Armed Forces and/or the so-called Donetsk People's Republic."

The two others charged in the indictment brought in a federal court in Virginia were lower-ranking military personnel, identified by only their first names: Valerii and Nazar.

The Justice Department said Mkrtchyan and the others abducted the US national in April 2022 from his home in the village of Mylove in the Kherson Oblast region in southern Ukraine where he had been living with his wife.

<h2>Mock execution&nbsp;</h2>

The American, who was not identified, was not participating in the armed conflict between&nbsp; Russia&nbsp;and Ukraine, the department said in a statement.

"Acting on behalf of the Russian Armed Forces and the so-called Donetsk People's Republic, these four individuals allegedly violated the human rights of an American citizen," said Katrina Berger, executive associate director&nbsp;of Homeland Security Investigations.

"According to the charges, they unlawfully detained and tortured the American citizen, and even went so far as to carry out a mock execution," Berger said.

The American was held for least 10 days, repeatedly interrogated, threatened with sexual assault and tortured.

"Mkrtchyan, Valerii, Nazar, and others allegedly threw the victim face down to the ground while he was naked, tied his hands behind his back, pointed a gun at his head, and severely beat him," the Justice Department said.

At one point, Budnik allegedly threatened to kill the victim and asked for his last words.

"Shortly thereafter, Nazar and others allegedly conducted a mock execution," the Justice Department said. "They allegedly forced the victim to the ground, put a gun to the back of his head, then moved the gun slightly and shot a bullet just past the victim's head."

The four are charged with three war crimes -– unlawful confinement, torture, and inhuman treatment -– and one count of conspiracy to commit war crimes.

If taken into custody and convicted they face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Garland told reporters more indictments could be expected under the war crimes statute, which gives the Justice Department jurisdiction to prosecute war crimes committed against US citizens abroad.

The United States charged four pro-Russian soldiers with war crimes on Wednesday for the abduction and torture of an American national in Ukraine. Attorney General Merrick Garland said the charges against the four "Russia-affiliated military personnel" were the first to be brought under a US war crimes statute passed by Congress nearly 30 years ago.

The United States charged four pro-Russian soldiers with war crimes on Wednesday for the abduction and torture of an American national in Ukraine. Attorney General Merrick Garland said the charges against the four "Russia-affiliated military personnel" were the first to be brought under a US war crimes statute passed by Congress nearly 30 years ago. Garland, speaking to reporters, said Russian forces in Ukraine had committed "atrocities on the largest scale in any European armed conflict since the Second World War." "As the world has witnessed the horrors of Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, so has the United States Department of Justice," he said. "The Justice Department will work for as long as it takes to pursue accountability and justice for Russia's war of aggression." According to the indictment, two of those charged -- Suren Seiranovich Mkrtchyan, 45, and Dmitry Budnik -- were commanding officers of military units of the "Russian Armed Forces and/or the so-called Donetsk People's Republic." The two others charged in the indictment brought in a federal court in Virginia were lower-ranking military personnel, identified by only their first names: Valerii and Nazar. The Justice Department said Mkrtchyan and the others abducted the US national in April 2022 from his home in the village of Mylove in the Kherson Oblast region in southern Ukraine where he had been living with his wife. Mock execution The American, who was not identified, was not participating in the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the department said in a statement. "Acting on behalf of the Russian Armed Forces and the so-called Donetsk People's Republic, these four individuals allegedly violated the human rights of an American citizen," said Katrina Berger, executive associate director of Homeland Security Investigations. "According to the charges, they unlawfully detained and tortured the American citizen, and even went so far as to carry out a mock execution," Berger said. The American was held for least 10 days, repeatedly interrogated, threatened with sexual assault and tortured. "Mkrtchyan, Valerii, Nazar, and others allegedly threw the victim face down to the ground while he was naked, tied his hands behind his back, pointed a gun at his head, and severely beat him," the Justice Department said. At one point, Budnik allegedly threatened to kill the victim and asked for his last words. "Shortly thereafter, Nazar and others allegedly conducted a mock execution," the Justice Department said. "They allegedly forced the victim to the ground, put a gun to the back of his head, then moved the gun slightly and shot a bullet just past the victim's head." The four are charged with three war crimes -– unlawful confinement, torture, and inhuman treatment -– and one count of conspiracy to commit war crimes. If taken into custody and convicted they face a maximum sentence of life in prison. Garland told reporters more indictments could be expected under the war crimes statute, which gives the Justice Department jurisdiction to prosecute war crimes committed against US citizens abroad.

US charges four pro-Russian troops in Ukraine with war crimes

The Russia-Ukraine war is going on for more than a year now. And amid this state of armed conflict, war crimes are happening including rape, torture, child trafficking, and massacre. So is Russian President Vladimir Putin a war criminal? Are Ukrainian forces involved in these crimes too? Watch DARK WORLD with Harshit Sabarwal.

War crimes of Russia-Ukraine war: Who's responsible? | DARK WORLD

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 United Kingdom's (UK) Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab and Netherlands' Minister of Justice and Security Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius will host an international meeting in March to scale up the support being offered to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its investigations of the alleged war crimes in Ukraine. According to a statement issued by the British government on Saturday (January 7), justice ministers from around the world will attend the meeting that will be held in the Lancaster House in London.&nbsp;

"The meeting comes as Russia steps up its campaign of terror against Ukraine, striking at crucial energy infrastructure and plunging people into the dark and freezing cold of winter. In reclaimed areas of Ukraine, prosecutors continue to gather evidence of atrocities and sexual violence," the statement said.&nbsp;

Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, who is also UK's Justice Secretary, said that Russian forces should know they cannot act with impunity "and we will back Ukraine until justice is served."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-reports-fresh-strikes-as-putins-unilateral-ceasefire-starts-550022">Ukraine reports fresh strikes as Putin's unilateral ceasefire starts</a>

"Almost a year on from the illegal invasion, the international community must give its strongest backing to the ICC so war criminals can be held to account for the atrocities we’re witnessing," Raab added.&nbsp;

Dutch Justice and Security Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, meanwhile, said that reports and images of Moscow's unlawful and unprovoked armed attack on Ukraine are horrific, adding these crimes may not go unpunished, the statement said.&nbsp;

It added that the UK government continues to support Ukraine's domestic investigation and that around &nbsp;£400 million in economic and humanitarian grant support has been provided to the war-torn country.&nbsp;

"The UK has now provided £2.3 billion in military support to Ukraine in 2022 — more than any country other than the United States — and has already committed to sustain that level of military support into 2023," the statement also said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-3-billion-in-aid-package-for-ukraine-including-bradley-armoured-vehicles-550147">US announces $3 billion in aid package for Ukraine, including Bradley armoured vehicles</a>

Russia's war in Ukraine will soon complete a year. On Saturday, hundreds of Ukrainian refugees observed their first Orthodox Christmas since fleeing Moscow's invasion.

In Ukraine's capital city of Kyiv, worshippers attended a historic service at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery amid tight security. A report by the news agency AFP said worshippers had their passports checked and had to walk through metal detectors.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-orders-ceasefire-in-ukraine-on-january-6-7-549807">ordered a 36-hour ceasefire from midday on Friday</a> to observe Orthodox Christmas. However, Ukraine rejected the truce by saying it was a stunt by Moscow to get more time to reinforce troops which took heavy losses this week. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Kingdom's (UK) Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab and Netherlands' Minister of Justice and Security Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius will host an international meeting in March to scale up the support being offered to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its investigations of the alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

The United Kingdom's (UK) Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab and Netherlands' Minister of Justice and Security Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius will host an international meeting in March to scale up the support being offered to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its investigations of the alleged war crimes in Ukraine. According to a statement issued by the British government on Saturday (January 7), justice ministers from around the world will attend the meeting that will be held in the Lancaster House in London. "The meeting comes as Russia steps up its campaign of terror against Ukraine, striking at crucial energy infrastructure and plunging people into the dark and freezing cold of winter. In reclaimed areas of Ukraine, prosecutors continue to gather evidence of atrocities and sexual violence," the statement said. Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, who is also UK's Justice Secretary, said that Russian forces should know they cannot act with impunity "and we will back Ukraine until justice is served." ALSO READ | Ukraine reports fresh strikes as Putin's unilateral ceasefire starts "Almost a year on from the illegal invasion, the international community must give its strongest backing to the ICC so war criminals can be held to account for the atrocities we’re witnessing," Raab added. Dutch Justice and Security Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, meanwhile, said that reports and images of Moscow's unlawful and unprovoked armed attack on Ukraine are horrific, adding these crimes may not go unpunished, the statement said. It added that the UK government continues to support Ukraine's domestic investigation and that around £400 million in economic and humanitarian grant support has been provided to the war-torn country. "The UK has now provided £2.3 billion in military support to Ukraine in 2022 — more than any country other than the United States — and has already committed to sustain that level of military support into 2023," the statement also said. ALSO READ| US announces $3 billion in aid package for Ukraine, including Bradley armoured vehicles Russia's war in Ukraine will soon complete a year. On Saturday, hundreds of Ukrainian refugees observed their first Orthodox Christmas since fleeing Moscow's invasion. In Ukraine's capital city of Kyiv, worshippers attended a historic service at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery amid tight security. A report by the news agency AFP said worshippers had their passports checked and had to walk through metal detectors. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a 36-hour ceasefire from midday on Friday to observe Orthodox Christmas. However, Ukraine rejected the truce by saying it was a stunt by Moscow to get more time to reinforce troops which took heavy losses this week. (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.

UK, Netherlands to host global meet in March on alleged war crimes in Ukraine

United States President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron vowed Thursday to coordinate on the "challenge" of China and called for stability on the Taiwan Strait.&nbsp;"The United States and France will continue to coordinate on our concerns regarding China's challenge to the rules-based international order, including respect for human rights, and to work together with China on important global issues like climate change," said a joint statement issued by the White House.

The two leaders also pledged to support Ukraine in its war against Russia and to&nbsp;hold Moscow responsible for war crimes.

In a joint statement issued after their Oval Office talks, the two leaders said they were committed to holding Russia to account "for widely documented atrocities and war crimes, committed both by its regular armed forces and by its proxies" in Ukraine.

Biden and Macron also pledged to uphold the “unwavering” alliance between the two countries during the latter’s visit to the White House on Thursday. Macron was greeted by service members from the army, marines and the air force.&nbsp;

"France is our oldest ally, our unwavering partner in freedom’s cause," Biden told reporters.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-eases-covid-restrictions-in-beijing-hints-at-possible-change-in-stance-report-539115">China eases Covid restrictions in Beijing, hints at possible change in stance</a>

Macron also emphasised on the friendship between the two countries that dates back to the US independence struggle and said, "We need to become brothers in arms once more."&nbsp;

The relationship between the two countries suffered a bit in the recent past with Macron blaming Biden’s economic policies for an inevitable trade war. The Inflation Reduction Act or IRA will see an investment of around $4 million into environmentally-friendly industries but several European countries have expressed their concern as it can possibly lead to a race to invest in the green economy sector.&nbsp;

"The consequence of the IRA is that you will perhaps fix your issue but you will increase my problem. I'm sorry to be so straightforward," Macron said on Wednesday, according to Reuters.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-backs-eu-plan-to-create-tribunal-for-russian-officials-over-ukraine-war-539161">France backs EU plan to create tribunal for Russian officials over Ukraine war</a>

However, Biden has maintained that the IRA will not pose any threat to the European companies.&nbsp;

According to AFP, one of the major topics of discussion will be the rise of China on the global stage and the alliances it has forged in the Pacific Islands. "Europe has since 2018 its own, unique strategy for relations with China," tweeted French embassy spokesman Pascal Confavreux in Washington.

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United States President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron vowed Thursday to coordinate on the "challenge" of China and called for stability on the Taiwan Strait.

United States President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron vowed Thursday to coordinate on the "challenge" of China and called for stability on the Taiwan Strait. "The United States and France will continue to coordinate on our concerns regarding China's challenge to the rules-based international order, including respect for human rights, and to work together with China on important global issues like climate change," said a joint statement issued by the White House. The two leaders also pledged to support Ukraine in its war against Russia and to hold Moscow responsible for war crimes. In a joint statement issued after their Oval Office talks, the two leaders said they were committed to holding Russia to account "for widely documented atrocities and war crimes, committed both by its regular armed forces and by its proxies" in Ukraine. Biden and Macron also pledged to uphold the “unwavering” alliance between the two countries during the latter’s visit to the White House on Thursday. Macron was greeted by service members from the army, marines and the air force. "France is our oldest ally, our unwavering partner in freedom’s cause," Biden told reporters. Also read | China eases Covid restrictions in Beijing, hints at possible change in stance Macron also emphasised on the friendship between the two countries that dates back to the US independence struggle and said, "We need to become brothers in arms once more." The relationship between the two countries suffered a bit in the recent past with Macron blaming Biden’s economic policies for an inevitable trade war. The Inflation Reduction Act or IRA will see an investment of around $4 million into environmentally-friendly industries but several European countries have expressed their concern as it can possibly lead to a race to invest in the green economy sector. "The consequence of the IRA is that you will perhaps fix your issue but you will increase my problem. I'm sorry to be so straightforward," Macron said on Wednesday, according to Reuters. Also read | France backs EU plan to create tribunal for Russian officials over Ukraine war However, Biden has maintained that the IRA will not pose any threat to the European companies. According to AFP, one of the major topics of discussion will be the rise of China on the global stage and the alliances it has forged in the Pacific Islands. "Europe has since 2018 its own, unique strategy for relations with China," tweeted French embassy spokesman Pascal Confavreux in Washington.

Macron, Biden pledge to hold Russia accountable for committing 'war crimes' 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

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?

How could Russian President Vladimir Putin be prosecuted for war crimes in Ukraine?