The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused untold damage to the Eastern European country.

Ukraine’s resources and people are suffering every day from Russian violence. Indeed, there have been numerous war crimes committed by Moscow.

Unspeakable Violence in Ukraine War

“As Russian held territories in Ukraine were liberated, stories and evidence of rape, sexual violence and torture are emerging,” British Military Intelligence assessed in an update over the weekend.

“Ukrainians who could not flee from the invading Russian forces were subjected to rape and sexual violence,” the British Military Intelligence added.

To give you an idea of the depravity of the Russian invaders, according to the available data, the youngest documented victim is just four years old, and the eldest is eighty-three years old.

“Rape requires no training, no armoury, no financial backing, but is as devasting as bullets and bombs,” the Duchess of Edinburg said after her recent visit to Ukraine to meet survivors of Russian abuse.

Under international law, rape and sexual violence are considered war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Up to this day, there have been almost 290 recorded cases of sexual violence by Russian troops against Ukrainian civilians. However, considering the scale of the conflict and the shame experienced by survivors, the actual number is very likely to be significantly higher.

“Crimes of sexual violence will never be an accepted part of conflict,” British Military Intelligence concluded.

War is ugly, and there will be atrocities committed on both sides. That has been historically true. Even the liberating Allied forces committed atrocities in Europe during World War II, executing surrendering Axis troops. However, in Ukraine in 2024, the Russian forces have exhibited a systemic effort to punish the Ukrainian people for simply being Ukrainian.

Putin Should Be Held To Account

Russian President Vladimir Putin, his Kremin advisers, and the leadership of the Russian military are directly complicit in these atrocities. To begin with, they launched the illegal invasion in the first place. Sitting at the top of the chain of command, they are responsible for their military’s conduct.

On an additional level, they have populated the frontlines of Ukraine with the most ill-suited soldiers one can probably find, including bloodthirsty mercenaries, untrained reservists, and ex-convicts, such as murderers and rapists, who are fighting in exchange for their freedom. It is little wonder why these troops have committed war crimes in Ukraine against innocent civilians and enemy soldiers.

These facts and conduct must be remembered as the West is faced with strategic decisions about the war in Ukraine in the upcoming months. Although the funnel of military aid to Ukraine is open once again after Congress voted on an enormous package of security aid in April, the next administration needs to keep at it and reinforce Kyiv in its fight against barbarism and wanton violence. To be sure, there are many strategic reasons—including the attrition of the Russian military—for supporting Ukraine, but it is also the right thing to do. And America has always strived to be on the right side of history.

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MA from Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.

Image Credit: Creative Commons.