**Russia Found Responsible for 2022 Prison Explosion in Ukraine**
A shocking report by the United Nations (UN) has found Russia responsible for a devastating explosion at Olenivka prison in 2022, which killed over 50 Ukrainian prisoners of war. The findings were made public by Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets on June 30.
According to Lubinets, an internal UN analysis revealed that Russia planned and carried out the attack, contradicting Moscow’s claims of innocence. What’s more disturbing is that Russia has repeatedly prevented international efforts to investigate this crime and even contaminated evidence at the site.
**Ukraine Accuses Russia of Intentional Act**
The Ukrainian government has long accused Russia of intentionally putting Ukrainian soldiers from the Azov Regiment in a separate part of the prison building, knowing it would be targeted. Days before the explosion, these soldiers were moved to a vulnerable location, making them sitting ducks for Russian forces.
**UN Report Exposes Russia’s Crimes**
Lubinets praised the UN fact-finding mission on Olenivka for its thorough analysis of the attack. The report details the weapons and ammunition used by Russian forces to kill Ukrainian POWs and examines the planning, organization, and execution of this heinous crime. Unfortunately, due to lack of security guarantees, the UN mission was disbanded, and they refused to review evidence provided by Ukraine.
**Russia’s History of Violating International Conventions**
This incident is not an isolated case of Russia violating international conventions protecting prisoners of war (POWs). As Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression, Moscow has repeatedly shown disregard for human rights and international law. Recently, a Russian military court convicted 184 Ukrainian POWs captured in Kursk Oblast of acts of terrorism, despite no evidence of any wrongdoing.
**Commentary**
The findings of this UN analysis are damning, and it’s essential that Russia is held accountable for these crimes. As the world watches Ukraine face Russian aggression, it’s crucial to expose and condemn such atrocities. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for international cooperation in protecting human rights and upholding international law.
**Analysis**
This latest revelation highlights the dangers faced by Ukrainian soldiers and civilians at the hands of Russian forces. The exploitation of prisoners of war and the targeting of vulnerable groups are war crimes that demand immediate attention and condemnation from the global community. As we continue to follow this story, it’s essential to keep in mind the importance of upholding international conventions and protecting human rights.
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