How Russia’s attack on Ukraine violates international law
PBS NewsHourMar 05, 2022
Ukraine on Sunday said it will look into Russian allegations of war crimes following the emergence of video footage that appeared to show its forces executing Russian troops trying to surrender. Ukraine’s deputy PM Olha Stefanishyna, however, stated that “it is very unlikely” the edited clips show what Russia claims. Moscow opened a criminal investigation on Friday.
This comes as renewed explosions reportedly occurred around the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on Sunday, which Russia and Ukraine have exchanged blame for. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has condemned the attacks — which it says likely come from both sides — as "extremely disturbing." No critical damage has so far been reported.
This invasion is an egregious violation of international law. Putin's ultimate aim is to restore the Soviet empire, even if it takes massive bloodshed and false pretexts such as calling the 2014 Ukrainian revolution after an election a "coup". This unprovoked attack is the latest chapter in Putin's Orwellian attempt to rewrite history.
NATO and the US have ignored Russia's security concerns by breaking its promise not to expand eastward in return for German reunification. These concerns are legitimate and taking them seriously would have avoided the Ukraine tragedy.
There is an 14% chance that there will be a serious radiation incident at any nuclear plant in Ukraine by 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.