UN Criticizes Russia for Failing to Protect Ukrainian Civilians

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, criticized Russia on Tuesday, December 19, for failing to take adequate measures to protect Ukrainian civilians. He stated that Moscow has been 'severely unsuccessful' in this regard and there are indications that Russian forces have committed war crimes. According to Reuters, Turk mentioned that his office's investigations reveal 'gross violations of international human rights law, serious violations of international humanitarian law, and war crimes, primarily by the armed forces of the Russian Federation.' He added that these incidents include the execution of 142 civilians since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, as well as cases of disappearance, torture, and mistreatment of prisoners, including sexual violence. Russia has denied committing crimes or targeting civilians in Ukraine. Turk emphasized that the armed forces of both countries, particularly Russia, 'must adhere to international human rights and humanitarian laws.' In response to Turk's statements, the Russian permanent mission to the UN in Geneva accused the UN Human Rights Office of 'whitewashing' crimes committed by Ukrainian forces. A Dutch legal source reported that a former Russian soldier has sought asylum in the Netherlands and wishes to testify at the International Criminal Court regarding Russia's war crimes in Ukraine. The man, identified as Igor Salikov, 60, claims to have been a member of Russian-backed forces in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic since 2014 and worked as a trainer for the Wagner mercenary group in Ukraine. Reuters could not independently verify his statements. Yuri Blosov, Ukraine's chief war crimes prosecutor, told Reuters that Salikov has been in contact with Ukrainian prosecutors for over six months and has testified about Russian war crimes. Blosov stated that some of Salikov's statements were 'significant' and their accuracy has been confirmed, with further investigation into his testimony ongoing. Salikov stated in a television interview that he is ready to fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court and has personally witnessed 'atrocities against civilians.' The court in The Hague is investigating war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine. In April, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's commissioner for children's rights, for war crimes related to the abduction of Ukrainian children. On the same day, Putin announced Russia's readiness to engage in dialogue with Ukraine, the US, and Europe regarding Ukraine's future, while asserting that Moscow will defend its national interests. According to Reuters, Putin has repeatedly expressed his willingness to discuss peace, but Western officials believe he will wait for the outcome of the 2024 US presidential election before taking any action. In a meeting with military officials, Putin emphasized that any negotiations with Ukraine, the US, and Europe will be based on Russia's national interests. He noted that Russia does not intend to go to war with Europe but will not relinquish what it considers 'its own.' Russia currently controls about 17.5% of the territory that was recognized as part of Ukraine at the time of the Soviet Union's collapse. Ukraine has stated it will not rest until the last Russian soldier is expelled from the occupied territories. Putin also stated that Russian forces currently hold the initiative on the battlefield and that the country will not cease its special military operation until its objectives are achieved. He emphasized that Ukraine's membership in NATO is unacceptable for Russia.