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According to a report by the Guardian dated June 13, an analysis provided to the International Criminal Police (ICC) by lawyers accuses Russia of employing a “deliberate pattern” of starvation strategies in the siege of Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast, during the early part of 2022. These methods potentially constitute a war crime.
The document presented to the ICC by lawyers from Global Rights Compliance in partnership with the Ukrainian government claims Russian authorities were intent on destroying the lives of a large number of civilians.
The siege, which lasted from February to May 2022 by the Russian armed forces, led to a harrowing loss of life and devastation of Mariupol. Authorities estimate that as many as 25,000 individuals may have perished in the conflict, but the exact toll is uncertain and possibly much larger.
A partner at Global Rights Compliance, Catriona Murdoch, stated that the research aimed to uncover “if there was a broader narrative” indicating an intentional denial of food and essential services necessary for survival by the Russian military and its leadership.
12 previously unseen photos from the defense at Azovstal
During the spring of 2022, the defense of the Azovstal steel works became emblematic of Ukrainian resistance, where soldiers held out against constant bombardment by Russian forces. This lasted for nearly two full months during the siege of Mariupol.
There were distinct phases to the assault on Mariupol, Murdoch mentioned, including targeted attacks on civilian infrastructure, severing of electricity, heating and water supplies, blocking of humanitarian evacuations and final strikes on remaining vital facilities.
“In the last phase, Russia undertook strategic attack operations with the aim of either destroying or seizing any residual infrastructure,” she explained.
The carefully prescribed attacks demonstrate a Russian intent to subjugate Mariupol without regard for civilian lives, according to Murdoch’s conclusions.
Murdoch further highlighted that given the strategic significance of Mariupol and the centralized nature of decision-making in Russia, the country’s leadership carries responsibility for the deaths of thousands.
She implicated “(Russian President) Vladimir Putin and levels within the Russian military leadership” for the outcome.
The ICC has been active in issuing arrest warrants, having done so on March 17, 2023, for both Putin and the Russian Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova over allegations of the forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia.
Another round of warrants followed in March of the subsequent year against two Russian military commanders. Accused of orchestrating attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during the 2022–2023 winter, Lieutenant General Sergei Kobylash and Admiral Viktor Sokolov face war crimes charges for “directing attacks at civilian locations,” stated the ICC.
Appeals to the ICC to examine the actions of notable Russian media figures
Organizations such as the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the Center for Civil Liberties (CCL), and the Kharkiv Human Rights Group have collectively submitted a report to the ICC outlining hate crimes committed by Russian propagandists against Ukrainians.
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Note: At TheUBJ, we are not the original creators of the news content shared here. The rewritten version is sourced from various online sources and AI news feed technologies. The original link attributed to the kyivindependent.com is provided for reference: https://kyivindependent.com/guardian-russia-accused-of-deliberate-starvation-tactics-in-mariupol-in-submission-to-icc/
FAQ Section
What are the allegations against Russia regarding Mariupol?
Russia is accused of deploying starvation tactics in Mariupol, which could amount to war crimes, according to a submission to the International Criminal Court by Global Rights Compliance lawyers.
How many people are estimated to have died during the siege of Mariupol?
Authorities estimate that at least 25,000 people may have died during the siege, but the actual number is unknown and could be higher.
What does the report submitted to the ICC claim about Russian intent?
The report alleges that Russia and its leaders had the intention to kill and harm large numbers of civilians by denying them food and essential living services.
Who has the ICC issued arrest warrants for?
The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin, Maria Lvova-Belova, Lieutenant General Sergei Kobylash, and Admiral Viktor Sokolov, on various charges including war crimes.
What organizations have called upon the ICC to investigate Russian propagandists?
The International Federation for Human Rights, the Center for Civil Liberties, and the Kharkiv Human Rights Group have requested the ICC to investigate hate crimes committed by Russian propagandists against Ukrainians.
