On March 31, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for international action against Russia, demanding accountability for over 183,000 war crimes documented by Ukrainian authorities since Moscow’s invasion in February 2022. His remarks, made at a summit in Bucha, a town notorious for Russian atrocities, emphasized the urgent need for justice to prevent the further spread of “evil” and to protect both Ukraine and Europe. This statement coincided with the third anniversary of Russia’s withdrawal from Bucha, where atrocities such as executions, torture, and rapes were committed during the occupation.
Zelenskyy’s call for justice extended beyond Bucha, highlighting the broader scale of Russian war crimes across Ukraine. He pointed out that the documented 183,000 crimes represented only a fraction of the total, as this figure excluded the territories still under Russian control. The president urged for a robust international legal response to safeguard Ukraine’s citizens and prevent similar threats to European security. He framed the pursuit of justice as not only a moral necessity but a practical one for the stability of Europe.
Ukraine has been at the forefront of investigating and prosecuting these crimes, with the International Criminal Court (ICC) also involved in high-profile cases, such as the deportation of Ukrainian children, for which an arrest warrant was issued for Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the ICC’s jurisdiction has been challenged by Russia and several other countries, including the U.S., which has imposed sanctions on the court. These sanctions, along with a freeze on foreign funding, have hindered international efforts to hold Russia accountable. Despite these setbacks, Ukrainian officials have expressed cautious optimism that ICC investigations will continue.
In Bucha, Zelenskyy, accompanied by his wife, First Lady Olena Zelenska, and European officials, paid tribute to the victims of the Russian occupation. Ukraine’s acting prosecutor general, Oleksiy Khomenko, reported that 178 individuals had been charged and 21 convicted for crimes in the region. The scale of the crimes in Bucha alone is staggering, with over 9,000 criminal acts documented, including 1,800 killings. Khomenko reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to bringing those responsible to justice, working in tandem with the ICC and other nations investigating Russian war crimes.
Zelenskyy’s demand for justice reflects Ukraine’s determination to pursue accountability, despite international challenges. The country remains resolute in its efforts to hold Russian officials responsible, while continuing to seek the support of the international community. The road to justice will be long and fraught with obstacles, but Ukraine’s unwavering pursuit of accountability offers hope for the victims of these atrocities and reinforces the importance of international law in preventing further violations.
Gros News 
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