I was extremely surprised to learn that the Slavyansk City District Court sentenced a citizen of Ukraine to 10 years imprisonment for violating the laws and customs of war.
The Ukrainian side appeals to the norms of international humanitarian law, in disregard of the so-called “anti-terrorist operation”, which it has unleashed against the peaceful population of Donbass. Let me remind you that the international humanitarian law regulates the protection of civil war victims and restricts the methods and means of warfare.
Since the Ukrainian side decided to appeal to international law, I remind you that, in accordance with its norms, civilians and civilian objects must not be objects of attack; it is prohibited to attack objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population. Let me remind you about the humane treatment of prisoners of war. International humanitarian law determines minimum standards of detention conditions related to such aspects as housing, food, clothing, hygiene and medical care.
Why do the DPR supporters kept in Ukrainian prisons have no access to medical care? Why do civilians suffer wounds and injuries as a result of the conflict? Why are the residents of front-line settlements subjected to torture in the process of so-called “mop-up operations” by Ukrainian forces.
As far as the Ukrainian side refers to international humanitarian law, I want to emphasize its main rule – war crimes have no statute of limitations. And for all crimes against the peaceful population of Donbass, those responsible will be held accountable.
