Russian forces that controlled much of the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions from late February to March 2022 have committed summary executions of civilians, torture, and other ill-treatment.
It’s probably war crimes. That reports Human Rights Watch.
The human rights organization visited 17 villages and small towns in Kyiv and Chernihiv oblasts in April, investigating 22 suspected summary executions, 9 other illegal killings, 6 possible enforced disappearances, and 7 cases of torture. 21 civilians reported illegal detention in inhuman and degrading conditions.
“The numerous atrocities committed by the Russian forces occupying parts of northeastern Ukraine early in the war are horrific, illegal and brutal,” said Girgi Gogia, director of research for HRW’s Europe and Central Asia Division. “These mistreatments of civilians are clear war crimes that must be promptly and impartially investigated and prosecuted appropriately.”
HRW interviewed 65 people between April 10 and May 10, including those who were detained or survived torture and families of victims and other witnesses. The organization also examined physical evidence at the sites where some of the suspected assaults took place and photos and videos shared by victims and witnesses.
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, Russian troops have been involved in numerous violations of the laws of war, which can amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. For example, HRW previously documented 10 summary executions in the city of Bucha and several other towns and villages that took place during the Russian occupation in March.