U.S. Charges Four Russia-Affiliated Military Personnel with War Crimes

The charges, a first under the U.S. war crimes statute, relate to the unlawful detainment and torture of an American in Ukraine following Russia's invasion.

Four Russia-affiliated military personnel, including commanding officers and lower-ranking soldiers, have been charged with war crimes in the Eastern District of Virginia.
The charges stem from the unlawful detainment, torture, and inhuman treatment of a U.S. national in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
The defendants are alleged to have abducted the victim, severely beaten, and tortured him, including conducting a mock execution.
This marks the first-ever charges under the U.S. war crimes statute against Russia-affiliated military personnel.
The indictment is seen as an important step towards justice and accountability for the crimes committed during Russia’s war in Ukraine.