EU accuses Russia of war crimes in Ukraine
Created: 2022-03-25Updated: 2022-03-25 02:39 AM
A view inside a destroyed building in Kharkiv, which was badly damaged after a Russian attack earlier this month.
© Felipe Dana/AP/dpa
Schools, hospitals, shelters - according to the EU, Russia is targeting civilians in the war against Ukraine.
And it violates international law.
BRUSSELS - The European Union accuses Russia of committing war crimes in Ukraine.
Russia is attacking the civilian population and is targeting hospitals, schools and shelters, among other things, according to a statement by the EU summit in Brussels published early Friday morning.
"These war crimes must stop immediately."
On Wednesday, the US government officially accused Russian troops in Ukraine of war crimes for the first time.
"Our assessment is based on a careful review of available information from public and intelligence sources," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
US President Joe Biden occasionally attended the EU summit as a guest on Thursday.
violations of international law
War crimes are violations of international law that can be brought before the International Criminal Court.
War crimes include the targeted killing and starvation of civilians, the obstruction of humanitarian aid, and the use of nuclear or chemical weapons.
Debris lies on a street in Kyiv.
© Mohammad Javad Abjoushak/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
In its declaration at the Versailles summit two weeks ago, the EU had refrained from expressly using the term "war crimes".
Even then, however, there was talk of "indiscriminate attacks on the civilian population and civilian objects".
"Russia's groundless and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine grossly violates international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter."
Those responsible would be held accountable
The final declaration of the current summit now states that Russia's aggression against Ukraine blatantly violates international law and leads to massive loss of life and injuries to the civilian population.
Those responsible and their accomplices would be held accountable in accordance with international law.
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Coordinated political, financial, material and humanitarian assistance will continue to be provided to Ukraine.
In addition, one is ready to quickly decide on further coordinated strong sanctions against Russia and Belarus.
Any attempt to circumvent the sanctions that have already been decided or to help Russia in any other way must be stopped.
dpa