In a video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for an end to Russian “war crimes”.
then came News of dozens of dead bodies found on the streets and mass graves in the Ukrainian city of Buka.
“The world has already seen many war crimes. at different times. on different continents. But it is time to do everything possible to make the war crimes of the Russian army the ultimate manifestation of such evil on Earth,” Zelensky said.
Zelensky called on Russian leaders to be accountable for the actions of the country’s military.
“I want all the leaders of the Russian Federation to see how their orders are being fulfilled. Such orders. Such fulfillment. And joint responsibility. For these killings, for these tortures, for these weapons torn by explosions in the streets. . Shot in the back of the head of bound people. This is how the Russian state will now be perceived. This is your image,” Zelensky said.
In his address, Zelensky announced that a “mechanism of justice” would be established to investigate crimes committed by Russian troops in Ukrainian territory. He said the mechanism would be supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the National Police, the Security Service, the Intelligence Service and other government branches.
“This mechanism will help Ukraine and the world to bring concrete justice to those who in any way participated in this terrible war against the Ukrainian people or committed crimes against our people,” he said.
Zelensky said he would provide more information on the situation in Ukrainian territory occupied by Russian forces.
“All Ukraine’s partners will be informed in detail about what happened in the area temporarily occupied by our state. War crimes in Buka and other cities during the Russian occupation will also be considered by the UN Security Council on Tuesday,” he said. .
He also said that efforts are underway to restore electricity and water to Buka, as well as to re-establish medical institutions and infrastructure.
Zelensky once again called for the need for tighter sanctions against Russia.
“A new package of sanctions against Russia will certainly happen. But I am sure that it is not enough. More conclusions are needed. Not only about Russia, but also about the political behavior that has really done this evil. Let us come to our land,” he said.