What actions should be taken to address Russian war crimes in Ukraine?

2022-04-04T11:34:47-04:00

Awful stuff coming out of Ukraine this week. What can or should the US and world community do about it? What can we do about it?

https://www.politico.com/news/2022/04/03/ukraine-accuses-russia-massacre-00022595

Ukraine accuses Russia of massacre, city strewn with bodies

A slew of European leaders condemned the atrocities and called for tougher sanctions against Moscow.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 4 at 2022 11:43 AM

2022-04-04T11:43:45-04:00

I don't know that it's politically feasible.
If the US demands that other countries be held accountable for their war crimes, what happens when that country demands that the US be held accountable for its own?

Two minutes after that press conference, Wikileaks, Snowden and Manning would flood the internet with the thousands of pages of US war crimes over the last few decades.

Old sayings about glass houses come to mind.

Response by LTC Ray Buenteo made Apr 4 at 2022 11:44 AM

2022-04-04T11:44:14-04:00

These are the actions committed on order by Putin. I said it once and now again Putin is all in and will continue his destruction right through any and all NATO or nonNato countries . Blood is on Biden’s hands for not taking Putin serious.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Apr 4 at 2022 11:57 AM

2022-04-04T11:57:52-04:00

Are they Russian War Crimes, or are they Ukrainian reprisals against Russian sympathizers?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 4 at 2022 2:30 PM

2022-04-04T14:30:45-04:00

This is not an answer, it is just a musing. I find it sickening NATO would not support Ukraine better. Given they are not a NATO member, what we are seeing is a much larger country unilaterally attack a smaller country and acting like barbarians.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Apr 4 at 2022 2:30 PM

2022-04-04T14:30:47-04:00

First, before people decide that what I am about to say means I think Russia is just doing a bang-up job regarding human rights, I absolutely, positively, and without hesitation or equivocation condemn any and all war crimes. To include U.S. war crimes of the past. I have, in the past, reported a war crime up through the chain. So, no, I do not support or condone war crimes.

Now that that caveat that is out of the way, I think it is prudent to point out that the Ukraine declared far and wide that ALL MALES between the ages of 16-60 were immediately conscripted and were now part of the Ukrainian Army. As such, Russian violence against these individuals has to meet a much higher standard to be a bona fide war crime. Additionally, protected places, such as schools, can EASILY lose their protected status if military aged males are congregating there. I am in NO WAY saying that the preceding means there are no war crimes to discuss.

Again, I do not condone war crimes. And I am sure that, even when excluding the military aged males, there will be plenty to discuss. But before we start declaring war crimes, let's make sure what we are discussing actually qualifies.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2022 2:38 PM

2022-04-04T14:38:59-04:00

Uniform condemnation and takeover of the entire country to evaluate it and verify what snd what did not happen.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2022 3:44 PM

2022-04-04T15:44:46-04:00

I would love to say we should charge through the storm like the buffalo and come to the rescue of Ukraine... but, we might wanna be careful about throwing out "War Crimes" as our reason... I can not think of an administration in the past 30 years that could not have been accused of the same.

With that said, I would support sending in U.S. troops to help with humanitarian needs. Civilians, women and children, are never acceptable targets.

Just my opinion though, I could be wrong...

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Apr 4 at 2022 4:12 PM

2022-04-04T16:12:30-04:00

It's a tough question. It seems that unless we want to send in armed forces to retrieve suspected war criminals the best we are going to be able to do is indict identified perpetrators and make it so they can't travel outside of Russia to most nations without being arrested.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 4 at 2022 4:13 PM

2022-04-04T16:13:46-04:00

1st and foremost, it must be verified by unbiased personnel- The UN or Ukraine would turn it over to the World Court in Holland. Nothing much will happen as long as Putin is in power or stays in Russia.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 5 at 2022 11:35 AM

2022-04-05T11:35:22-04:00

It is time for the world to declare that they are going in . Then build the required force with a hard date for full throttle deployment if Russia does not pull out immediately.

The immediate deterrent being the existing NATO forces who will immediately enter Ukraine after establishing a no fly zone.

Enough is enough.

Response by Sgt John Allen made Apr 5 at 2022 5:32 PM

2022-04-05T17:32:07-04:00

Use OUR CIA in ARRESTING Putin For WAR CRIMES.

Response by SPC Les Darbison made Apr 5 at 2022 9:16 PM

2022-04-05T21:16:03-04:00

Who was held accountable for that innocent Afghani family's deaths in retaliation for the suicide bomber that killed 13 service members helping load out Afghani refugees? A save face effort for Biden gone wrong, like Hillary and Obama leaving our Ppl. to die in Bengusai! No accountability. Not war crimes but shady putting politics over leadership and humanity!

Response by 1SG Ernest Stull made Apr 19 at 2022 6:09 PM

2022-04-19T18:09:32-04:00

The war crimes being committed by Russian Army. The question should address the war crimes being committed by the Mercenaries. How can one country punish another for war crimes such as Russia when China, who at present is really killing their own people b/c of covid.

Response by SFC Matthew Parker made Apr 19 at 2022 6:17 PM

2022-04-19T18:17:21-04:00

As a recent volunteer with legion and having actual knowledge of the fight on the ground what is seen in the media is but a small portion of what is happening in the field.

In all honesty there is nothing the United States can do unless willing to take an active part in the fight on the ground.

The International community will have to investigate after the war is concluded and determine what actions are necessary through the Hague.

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Apr 19 at 2022 6:19 PM

2022-04-19T18:19:03-04:00

First make sure it's Russian soldiers committing the crimes, which hasn't been done yet, next make sure ur not arming neo nazi s. Arming the Ukrainian ative duty military is good but arming their national guard units like azov not so good.Its my personal belief that azov and other units may be committing alot of the crimes were seeing today. My humble opinion.

Response by CWO4 Terrence Clark made Apr 19 at 2022 7:44 PM

2022-04-19T19:44:17-04:00

Why do we have to do anything?

You have two corrupt regimes with overlapping interests pissing at each other. I have not heard - from either side of the aisle - a cogent, convincing reason why we have a national interest there. We've seen propaganda photos from both sides accusing the other of war crimes. The Biden administration is still dealing with Russia. The Iran deal for one. It is a foreign policy mess. Sell the Ukrainians what they need and they'll be fine. When the dust settles we'll know about war crimes, if any. Turn it over to the UN. If that is not satisfactory, why are we a signatory? Get out. We don't need another "weapons of mass destruction" hysteria to lead us into bringing kids home in China made plastic bags. Before one American boot touches Ukrainian soil, every 16 - 60 yr old Ukrainian refugee needs to be armed and sent home. Their country, after all.

We have much more pressing issues than Ukraine..
Millions of unvetted illegal aliens are invading our country unopposed.
Inflation is officially at 8.5% - much higher at the kitchen table.
Drugs are a bigger issue and killer than I've seen in my lifetime.
Crime is rampant in our communities.
China has us by the economic short hairs. They control everything that goes into the "green new deal" fiasco. What are we doing to keep China from annexing Taiwan, the Spratley Islands, the Solomon Islands? The treaties they're signing in S. America, the Caribbean, various African countries?

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 20 at 2022 9:07 AM

2022-04-20T09:07:49-04:00

As I, nor anyone in positions other than politics (globaly) can identify something as a War Crime. I believe this argument is mute, the real question is; should we (the Western World) continue to stand by while a country gets whiped off the face of the earth.

War crimes aside, the death of innocent civilians by the thousands (or more), the blatant destruction of otherwise protected structures is beyond the imagination. Where is the humanity of this all, and when is enough, enough.

Do we (the Western World) need more than what we see, with or without accusations of War crimes.

Fearing what we may be accused from the past is no excuse for idaly standing by and watching total destruction.

Response by PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln made Apr 20 at 2022 2:16 PM

2022-04-20T14:16:40-04:00

Carpet bombing comes to mind.

Response by CSM Tony Blair made Apr 20 at 2022 9:51 PM

2022-04-20T21:51:40-04:00

It’s to late to make any difference in this war, it should not have gone this far, now our hands are tied, unless we want to March into WWIII.
Russia knows we will not enter this, that’s why they are so definite, throwing the use of nuclear weapons around, openly killing civilians and leaving bodies so the whole world to see.
Yes we can provide weapons and ammunition, but the size of the Russian army will wear them down.
And as for war crimes, who’s going to bring them to Justice????
With out starting a world war??
If we had drawn a line in the sand, and stood by it, we would not be where we are now, but that line would entail a world war.

AATW!!!!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2022 10:52 PM

2022-04-20T22:52:01-04:00

I think nothing should be down, who said the US has to be the world police? War's happen that's life. I mean why are we not doing something about China? look at what they have been doing over on the boarder of India or the Muslims in China, I mean come on man we are not the world police. Do you really want WWIII? We're not talking about sending our troops to some 3rd would country to fight so-called terrorist, this is a highly train country who still see the US as the big bad man (country), you know like how they (media) are portraying the Russians.

Response by SSgt Tanner Iskra made Apr 21 at 2022 4:21 PM

2022-04-21T16:21:34-04:00

War crimes are happening on both sides. Disinformation is happening on both sides. Nothing can happen until the conflict is over and we can sort out the details.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Apr 21 at 2022 7:10 PM

2022-04-21T19:10:21-04:00

The citizens of Russia and the European Countries should take a stand, our nation been leading the way too long.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Apr 22 at 2022 12:29 AM

2022-04-22T00:29:48-04:00

I have studied the Nuremberg Trials since I was stationed near there in 1983. One thing is certain, when investigating War Crimes, they can only be thoroughly investigated by outside sources after Combat Operations have ceased in that area. That is the only way to be sure that you are investigating the actual event and not propaganda.
As far as US actions right now, we are doing everything short of intervention by US/NATO troops to assist Ukraine. I believe that we continue to sanction Russia, and after the fighting is over, seek to prosecute suspected war criminals in the International Criminal Courts. But be advised and be careful. After that events of Abu Ghraib and the conduct of some US Contractors both in Afghanistan and Iraq, we are hardly as high up on the moral high ground as we want to think that we are.

Response by SPC David Willis made Apr 22 at 2022 9:19 AM

2022-04-22T09:19:24-04:00

Really all we can do is provide arms at this point. I really think Biden should have taken a Battalion of troops and parked them at the Ukrainian border before this all started and told NATO to admit them quickly. I really doubt Putin would have made a move against US forces.

Response by SSG Diane R. made Apr 22 at 2022 10:30 AM

2022-04-22T10:30:21-04:00

Where were you people in 2014?

I suggest you start with Patrick Lancaster's (American) videos, then move on the Graham Phillips (British), both independent journalists reporting from the Donbass region since 2014. Then once you have a feel for what's really going on you can watch The Duran, and Robert Barnes, all on YouTube, Rumble and locals.com

The truth about this conflict is very disturbing. You're being lied to. Do your own research.

Response by MSG Daniel Talley made Apr 25 at 2022 9:19 AM

2022-04-25T09:19:09-04:00

Laws without enforcement are pointless. Consider what motivated the laws, who's actions, what wars. Will we fail to enforce because Russia is a big a player? To do so encourages actions against South Korea, Taiwan, and Israel.

Response by TSgt Chuck Mankin made Apr 25 at 2022 11:06 AM

2022-04-25T11:06:58-04:00

The Russian's have always been a ruthless foe. Life is far cheaper to them than it is to us in America. While prosecuting war crimes will take place when the shooting is over, for now there is very little that can be done on the ground.

Response by Sgt Jerry Genesio made Apr 25 at 2022 11:38 AM

2022-04-25T11:38:59-04:00

I believe the U.S. should first become a signatory endorsing the International Criminal Court at the Hague, and President Biden should then seek to unite all NATO nations in a pledge to defend Ukraine if Russia does not withdraw immediately. NATO is exponentially more powerful than Russia and would certainly prevail. If Putin is not confronted here and now because he has threatened to use nuclear weapons, where will the line be drawn in the sand? How many more lives will be lost? How much more territory will Russia claim? How much more treasure will be spent in an attempt to stop a land grab that is being encouraged by the world's failure to hold Putin and the Russian military accountable? We need to look no further back in time than 2015 when Russia invaded Syria and Assad, Putin, as well as the Syrian and Russian military, were not held accountable for numerous crimes against humanity.

Response by MSgt Keith Morreira made Apr 25 at 2022 11:41 AM

2022-04-25T11:41:02-04:00

The question makes the assumption that there is verification of war crimes committed by Russia. What about verified war crimes committed by Ukraine? Is it the USA responsibility to be the judge, jury and executioner of other nations people when war crimes are committed?

It's time for the the USA to stop expending blood and treasure of its own people in world events that do not direct effect the safety, security and sovereignty of America.

Response by SP5 John Burleson made Apr 28 at 2022 11:55 AM

2022-04-28T11:55:31-04:00

sooner or later, Pootie the Ruskie Turd, will haul off and shoot at an American asset. He will not live to see if he hit anything. I believe us sneaky yanks are already poised to swat this infested roach with a swatter he'll never see coming. We are devious and if the action is taken out of political hands, will be over in 24 hours.

Response by SFC William Ramsey made Apr 29 at 2022 5:56 PM

2022-04-29T17:56:09-04:00

As I am now retired and have to depend on what comes out of the stupid box, or what I can try and find on the internet who can tell what anyone is doing, you get one report that Russian's are doing some nasty stuff and then just days later find another that shows it all BS. They have been using video game clips portrayed as actual combat going on, come on my guy. I was born it just wasn't yesterday. Its all narrative control and not very good control.
I have to agree with SFC Michael Hasbun "If the US demands that other countries be held accountable for their war crimes, what happens when that country demands that the US be held accountable for its own?" As a 31 Year Army Retiree and 5 Deployments, from Desert Shield/Desert Storm to Afghanistan I know a thing or two about a thing or two....

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 12 at 2022 2:04 PM

2022-05-12T14:04:53-04:00

The ultimate prize would be to beat Russia and topple Putin.

Response by SFC John Fourquet made May 29 at 2022 9:21 PM

2022-05-29T21:21:46-04:00

It is not our business. Let the Ukrainians deal with it.

Response by MSG Bob Proctor made Jul 14 at 2022 10:46 AM

2022-07-14T10:46:48-04:00

The issue isn't with the Russian people, or with the Soldiers for that matter. They don't have the benefit of great leadership in their ranks as we do. The issue is with their puppet master, Putin. He's got all the cookies and the jar to boot. Putin needs to be replaced before any real change or stoppage can occur. There are ways to do that, but none of them are easy or politically correct.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 20 at 2022 6:58 PM

2022-08-20T18:58:37-04:00

They should be treated just like they did with ice Nazi"s in Germany. This might be difficult because of their idealogy.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 20 at 2022 7:13 PM

2022-08-20T19:13:35-04:00

I think the United Nations be involved in canvassing their members regarding Russias behavior. The actions that taken against them will be very interesting and could invoke battles between and among various nations.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Sep 18 at 2022 5:52 AM

2022-09-18T05:52:01-04:00

Putin needs to answer for these atrocities that have been committed.

Response by SFC Kelly Spangler made Oct 17 at 2022 7:09 AM

2022-10-17T07:09:14-04:00

Greetings,

As this protracted engagement has moved forward I would believe more evidence is available and is required - any type of proof that opposing forces against Russia, including foreign allied personnel, volunteers etc., can bring forward to the UN, would be sufficient. We chased Nazi's until death and The Serbs behind them. Russia, it's secret mercenary teams and Dictator Putin are an evil, criminal and corrupt regime.
Very Respectfully,

Spangler, Kelly J.
SFC, U.S. Army (R)
Former Senior Intelligence Analyst

Response by PO3 Adam Finley made Jan 5 at 2023 8:49 AM

2023-01-05T08:49:01-05:00

Having seen first hand what is going on there I most definitely condemn the actions taken by the Russians. To hold an entire country liable for the actions of individuals and groups of people is not how this should be handled. Hold each individual accountable for his or her actions.

That's all I have to say about that...