Amnesty International has called for justice for the victims of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The organization’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, stressed that discussions about Ukraine’s future must focus on justice for all crimes committed since Russia’s military intervention in 2014. This includes ensuring accountability for those responsible and providing reparations for the victims of such aggression.
Callamard further urged US President Donald Trump to play a role in achieving lasting peace by addressing war crimes under international law. She added that rushing into a peace agreement without addressing these violations would perpetuate the suffering of victims and allow perpetrators to escape justice. Despite calls for peace, some actions by the Trump administration have raised concerns. A specific executive order, which imposes sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), is seen as potentially weakening the rights of victims and survivors in Ukraine and elsewhere.
The ongoing conflict has taken a devastating toll on civilians. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has reported over 12,600 civilian deaths in Ukraine as of February 2025. Reports also indicate that Russian forces have forcibly disappeared Ukrainian civilians, imposed their curriculum in schools, and tortured or unlawfully executed prisoners of war. More details on the humanitarian impact can be accessed on the OHCHR website.
In response to these alleged war crimes, the ICC has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials. These warrants are based on reasonable grounds to believe that Putin is individually responsible for the crimes committed, either directly or through his failure to control his subordinates effectively. The ICC’s official statement further elaborates on these charges.
Rights advocates continue to emphasize the importance of international cooperation in ensuring justice for these atrocities, drawing attention to measures that can help establish accountability and support the victims of this protracted conflict. For further details, see the full article on JURIST.