Sweden joins calls for war crimes investigation of Russian attacks in Ukraine
The Swedish government has agreed to the calls for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine to be investigated for possible war crimes.
“Sweden strongly condemns Russia’s attacks on civilian objects in Ukraine, incl. schools & hospitals. International humanitarian law and the protection of civilians must be upheld at all times, “the Swedish Prime Minister’s Office said via Twitter. “Full support @ IntlCrimCourt investigation – responsibility for war crimes must be secured,” it added in the tweet.
On Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris gave his support to efforts to investigate Russia for possible war crimes in Ukraine, and said the United States would work on international efforts that are already under way. Germany’s federal prosecutor’s office said earlier this week that it had launched an investigation into suspected war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Russian forces during the invasion of Ukraine.
War crimes, broadly defined, include intentional killing or causing of suffering, extensive destruction and seizure of property, deliberate targeting of the civilian population and other serious violations of laws applicable in armed conflict. The International Criminal Court also prosecutes three other crimes: crimes against humanity, genocide and crimes of aggression.
Demands for such an investigation have increased after a Russian air strike hit a maternity hospital in the besieged city of Mariupol in southern Ukraine, killing at least three people.