MUNICH: US Vice-President Kamala Harris has said that the United States (US) has “formally determined” that Russia had committed war crimes against humanity in Ukraine.
Speaking at the international security summit in Munich, Kamala Harris accused Russia of “gruesome acts of murder, deportation, torture, and rape” since its invasion of Ukraine.
World leaders at the security conference called for long-term support and cooperation with Ukraine. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said now was the time to double military support to Ukraine.
Sunak argued that Western allies must start planning for the future security of Ukraine, as well as sending the weapons it needs to defend itself now. The conference in Germany comes as the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine approaches on February 24.
US calls holding perpetrators accountable
Kamala Harris told the security summit that the perpetrators of alleged Russian war crimes against humanity in Ukraine must be held accountable.
“Russian actions in Ukraine are an attack on humanity and our common values,” Harris said.
Kamala Harris said that in the case of Russian actions in Ukraine, the US has analyzed the evidence, they are aware of the legal standards, and there is no doubt: these are war crimes against humanity.
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She cited inhumane and cruelties during the Russian war in Ukraine, including the numbers of bodies found in Bucha region after the invasion and the shelling of a theatre in Mariupol.
The three-day summit in Munich will provide an important test of Western support for Kyiv as both sides in the war prepare for spring operations.
Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said Moscow had “waged a genocidal war on Ukraine” because it did not think Ukrainians “deserve to exist as a sovereign and independent nation.” Tens of thousands have been killed, and millions have been displaced as part of the Russian invasion.
