Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for Russia to be held accountable for over 183,000 alleged war crimes documented since Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022, emphasizing that justice is essential to prevent further atrocities.
Speaking at a summit of European officials in Bucha—northwest of Kyiv—on Monday, Zelensky highlighted the need for strong international legal action against Russia.
Bucha, which was occupied by Russian forces early in the war, is infamous for allegations of mass executions, torture, and sexual violence against civilians.
“More than 183,000 crimes related to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine have been officially documented,” Zelensky stated, marking the third anniversary of Ukraine’s liberation of Bucha.
He further noted that the number does not even include most of the Ukrainian territories currently under Russian occupation.
“We need effective international law to guarantee the protection of our people and all European society from such threats,” he stressed.
Zelensky also called for continued pressure on Russia through sanctions and other measures to prevent the expansion of war and human rights abuses.
“Justice must be served to prevent evil from proliferating. Pressure on Russia and sanctions against it are necessary to ensure that the war and abuse do not expand further,” he asserted.
Russia has yet to respond to Zelenskyy’s latest remarks, but it has previously denied accusations of war crimes, instead claiming that the West ignores alleged Ukrainian abuses—an accusation Kyiv has rejected.