The Justice Department announced on Wednesday that four Russian men have been charged with war crimes in connection to the invasion of Ukraine.
This marks the first prosecution against members of the Russian armed forces linked to atrocities during Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
Russian Military Kidnapping and Torture
Additionally, it is the first time the Justice Department has brought charges under a nearly 30-year-old statute, making it a crime to subject an American to torture or inhumane treatment during a war.
The charges, seen as largely symbolic for now due to the fugitive status of the defendants, are a historic moment in the US investigation into Russian war crimes, according to US officials.
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that this is just the beginning, stating, “This is our first, and you should expect more.”
The four Russians, identified as members of the Russian armed forces or its proxy units, are accused of kidnapping an American man from his home in a Ukrainian village in 2022.
The victim was allegedly held for ten days at a Russian military compound, where he endured physical abuse, harsh interrogation methods, threats of sexual assault, and a mock execution.
The American, who was eventually evacuated with his Ukrainian wife, provided details of the ordeal to federal agents during an investigation.
The charges and indictment were unsealed in the Eastern District of Virginia, revealing the severity of the allegations. “This is our first, and you should expect more,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said at a news conference.
Justice Department Charges Russians with War Crimes
While the charges are symbolic at this point, they underscore the US commitment to holding individuals accountable for war crimes.
The settlement includes provisions for the fake electors to assist the Department of Justice with its ongoing investigation and help the Democrats in their lawsuit against Trump’s attorneys, Jim Troupis and Kenneth Chesebro.
The charges against the Russian men come as the Biden administration urges Congress to approve more military aid for Ukraine’s war effort.
President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine and criticized the delay in agreeing to military and economic assistance.
The move also follows independent human rights experts’ findings, backed by the United Nations, indicating ongoing war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine.
The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in March for war crimes, accusing him of personal responsibility for abductions in Ukraine.
As the US continues to address Russian aggression and support Ukraine, the charges against the four Russian men signal a significant step in holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Read more: “Hamas Raped And Mutilated Women During The Israel Assault,” Says Joe Biden
