Ukraine war: Police investigate 26,000 war crimes as officials ‘convinced’ more to be uncovered

Ukraine’s interior minister said war crimes have become “one of the biggest burdens” for police in Ukraine and that those collecting evidence often work under fire.

Police in Ukraine are investigating 26,000 war crimes committed by Russian soldiers and expect to uncover thousands more as land is retaken and towns and villages liberated.

Gathering evidence to prosecute Russian forces has become one of the biggest tasks for the Ukrainian police since the start of the invasion on 24 February, but international support is helping efforts.

“Everyday we record the death of many civilians,” Ukraine’s interior minister said.

“These are the crimes committed and committed by them [Russia] in the occupied territories.”

Referring to the war crimes uncovered when Russian forces retreated from the towns of Bucha and Hostomel near Kyiv, Denys Monastyrskiy said he is bracing for more horror as the war continues.