[Summary] Global Outrage Over Russian 'Civilian Massacre'... US and EU Announce Strong Sanctions

A pit approximately 14 meters in size, presumed to be a mass grave, was captured near the 'St. Andrew Pervozvannoho' Church in Bucha, Ukraine, in satellite images taken by the U.S. satellite information company Maxar on the 31st of last month (local time).
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina, Reporter Jo Hyun-ui] The world is outraged by the so-called 'Bucha Massacre' committed by Russian forces on Ukrainian soil. Hundreds of civilian bodies buried in mass graves were discovered in Bucha, near the capital Kyiv (Kiyev), confirming clear evidence of civilian massacres and war crimes by the Russian military.

The United States immediately began considering secondary sanctions, and voices calling for energy sanctions against Russia are growing within the European Union (EU). However, Russia denied the civilian massacre, claiming it was a scene staged by the Ukrainian government.

◇"Will hold accountable" US and EU announce additional sanctions

The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 3rd (local time), citing multiple sources, that the Joe Biden administration is discussing strengthening sanctions against Russia in connection with the large-scale discovery of civilian bodies in Bucha, Ukraine. Secondary sanctions targeting third countries trading with Russia are likely as a sanction measure. Additional sanctions on Russia's mineral, transportation, and financial sectors are also being discussed.

In this regard, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken appeared on CNN that day and warned of additional sanctions, saying, "I cannot help but be very outraged." Secretary Blinken will visit Belgium for three days starting on the 5th to attend the NATO and G7 foreign ministers' meetings.

The EU has also announced a fifth round of sanctions. Charles Michel, President of the European Council, confirmed on Twitter, "I am shocked by the atrocities committed by Russian forces," and said, "We are preparing EU-level sanctions against Russia and support measures for Ukraine." He added that evidence of Russia's war crimes, tagged with the hashtag Bucha Massacre, will be submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In particular, this incident has led to speculation that the EU will implement a full embargo on Russian crude oil and gas. Within the EU, which is highly dependent on Russian energy, energy sanctions had not gained traction due to opposition from some member states such as Germany. However, Germany and Italy directly mentioned the Bucha incident, suggesting the possibility of sanctions, which is interpreted as a clear change in their stance. Robert Habeck, German Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, said, "We cannot just overlook this horrific war crime," and added, "There is a need to strengthen sanctions."

The EU plans to discuss additional sanctions on the 6th. Measures to ban Russian ships from using EU ports are also expected to be included. Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania's Foreign Minister, who announced the suspension of Russian gas imports the day before, pointed out, "Buying Russian oil and gas is funding war criminals."

◇Mass graves confirmed in multiple locations... Russia denies

Earlier, in Bucha, which was recaptured by Ukrainian forces, bodies dressed as civilians and mass graves believed to be victims executed by Russian troops were found in multiple locations. Irina Venediktova, Ukraine's Prosecutor General, stated on Facebook, "At least 410 Ukrainian civilian bodies have been recovered from villages around Kyiv where Russian forces retreated."

The horrific reality of war crimes is also confirmed by satellite images. Photos released by the private satellite company Maxar show a pit about 14 meters in size, presumed to be a mass grave. CNN reported, citing local residents, that about 150 civilian bodies killed by Russian forces were buried there. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson claimed, "This is evidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his army are committing war crimes in Ukraine."

The United Nations indicated plans for an independent investigation. UN Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres issued a statement that day, saying, "I am deeply shocked by the images of civilians killed in Bucha, Ukraine," and added, "An independent investigation is essential to ensure effective accountability." According to the global human rights organization Human Rights Watch, war crimes including sexual violence have been confirmed not only in this area but also in regions such as Chernihiv, which were occupied by Russian forces.

On the other hand, Russia denied allegations of mass civilian killings and demanded a meeting of the UN Security Council on the 4th. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated in a press release, "The released videos were staged by the Ukrainian government for Western media."