by Eric Yue
As Russian troops backed off from Central Ukraine for the first time in the war, Ukrainian troops went on the offensive and gained control of territories. In the cities, towns, and rural areas, there are not just destroyed tanks and military equipment, but also the horrifying reality of war — bodies lying on the ground, houses completely destroyed, and countless horrific stories from victims.
These atrocities are most notable in the town of Bucha, in the suburbs of Kyiv. In every direction, dead bodies with bullet wounds in the head and chest, and bodies with arms tied behind the back and legs by the ankles, reflect the brutality of the war caused by Russia. But the difference between these bodies and others is that they are not in uniforms and have no weapons in their hands. These are civilians who pose no threat to Russia, but despite this, were brutally executed. Ukrainian officials estimate that more than 500 civilians died in the town of Bucha.
Under international law, intentional attacks on civilians that do not distinguish between military targets and civilians are prohibited. Other international laws also forbid actions of violence on civilians such as rape, torture, and unnecessarily destroying civilian property. Across Ukraine, evidence of Russian war crimes and violations of international laws can be seen as Russia retreats.
Olena, a 28-year-old Ukrainian survivor, shared her harrowing experience with NBC News on April 11, detailing her capture and release and alleged rape by a Russian soldier. Olena had no assistance during her days of repeated sexual abuse by Russian soldiers. She did not even scream or cry for help, stating, “I know there is no one around.” Olena’s story is just one out of many horrifying experiences and stories from the people of Bucha. The world now tunes in as a "new phase" of the war has begun in eastern Ukraine.
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