Why I support Ukrainians But Not The Ukrainian Government Or Its Existence

Below is a detailed summary of accusations of crimes and human rights violations by Ukraine from 2014 to 2025 focusing exclusively on credible allegations supported by evidence from international organizations such as the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Amnesty International Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the U.S. Department of State as well as other reliable sources. The summary is organized thematically and chronologically emphasizing documented evidence and addressing underreported or overlooked issues. It excludes Russian actions as the US and its allies made that an easy find by opening any web browser. I’ve integrated findings from sources cross-referenced with additional reports and highlighted gaps or underreported issues while ensuring all claims are substantiated by credible evidence. Each accusation is backed by specific evidence and I note where accountability is lacking or investigations are incomplete.

Summary of Accusations of Crimes and Human Rights Violations by Ukraine (2014–2025)
Ukraine has been accused of various crimes and human rights violations during the Donbas conflict (2014–2022) and the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War (2022–present). These accusations primarily involve violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law including indiscriminate attacks use of prohibited weapons torture arbitrary detentions discrimination and abuses related to conscription enforcement. Evidence comes from on-site investigations witness testimonies forensic analysis and reports by neutral international bodies. While some allegations are well-documented others face challenges due to ongoing conflict limited access to sites or impunity.

1. Indiscriminate Attacks and Use of Prohibited Weapons (2014–2022)
Accusation: Ukrainian forces have been accused of launching indiscriminate attacks using unguided rockets artillery and cluster munitions in populated areas violating IHL principles of distinction and proportionality (Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions). These actions caused civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.

• 2014: Unguided Grad Rockets in Donbas
• Details: Ukrainian forces allegedly fired Grad rockets into civilian areas in Donetsk and Luhansk killing at least 16 civilians in July 2014 (7 in Petrovskyi district July 12; 6 in Maryinka July 12; 3 near Donetsk train station July 21). Grad rockets are inherently indiscriminate due to their large impact area (54000 sq m).
• Evidence: HRW conducted on-site investigations identifying impact craters and damage consistent with 122 mm Grad rockets fired from Ukrainian-controlled areas. Witnesses reported no nearby separatist targets and pro-Kyiv forces admitted to using Grads. These attacks violated IHL and were deemed potential war crimes. CNN corroborated UN/HRW findings noting over 300 civilian deaths in Luhansk by September 2014.

• Accountability: No specific prosecutions reported for these incidents; investigations stalled due to conflict and lack of centralized accountability mechanisms.

• 2014: Cluster Munitions in Donetsk
• Details: Ukrainian forces were accused of using cluster munitions (Uragan rockets) in Donetsk in October 2014 killing a Swiss Red Cross worker and wounding at least six civilians.
• Evidence: HRW’s October 2014 report documented physical evidence (submunition remnants) and witness testimonies confirming attacks from Ukrainian-held territory. The New York Times independently verified these findings. Cluster munitions are prohibited under customary IHL due to their indiscriminate nature though Ukraine is not a signatory to the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions.

• Accountability: No convictions reported; Ukraine denied use and investigations were limited by ongoing conflict.

• 2015: Artillery and Mortar Attacks in Donbas
• Details: Ukrainian forces allegedly conducted indiscriminate shelling in Donetsk and Debaltseve killing dozens (6 at a Donetsk humanitarian aid line Jan 30; 12 in Debaltseve Jan 31). Civilians were trapped without evacuation corridors.
• Evidence: Amnesty International’s on-site visits and survivor interviews (82-year-old Valentina Tsygankova injured by shrapnel) confirmed shelling from Ukrainian positions. OSCE monitors noted unguided weapons used in populated areas violating IHL. https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/europe-and-central-asia/eastern-europe-and-central-asia/ukraine/report-ukraine
• Accountability: No prosecutions documented; impunity noted by Amnesty due to slow judicial processes.

• 2022: Cluster Munitions in Izium
• Details: Ukrainian forces were accused of using cluster munitions in Izium (Kharkiv region) during Russian occupation causing civilian casualties.
• Evidence: HRW’s July 2023 report documented forensic evidence and witness accounts of cluster munition use by Ukrainian forces resulting in civilian deaths and injuries. These actions violated IHL due to the weapons’ indiscriminate effects. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2023/country-chapters/ukraine
• Accountability: Ukraine acknowledged investigations but no public outcomes were reported by 2025.
• 
Underreported Aspects: The use of cluster munitions by Ukraine particularly in 2014 received less attention than Russian violations despite clear evidence from HRW and NYT. Western media often focuses on Russian actions overshadowing Ukrainian violations in Donbas where civilian deaths from indiscriminate attacks were significant (UN estimates 2000 civilian deaths by 2016 with Ukrainian forces responsible for a portion). https://www.osce.org/odihr/594793

2. Torture Arbitrary Detention and Enforced Disappearances (2014–2025)
Accusation: Ukrainian security forces (SBU) police and volunteer battalions have been accused of torturing arbitrarily detaining and causing enforced disappearances of civilians and suspected separatists often in unofficial or secret facilities.

• 2014–2021: Widespread Torture and Ill-Treatment
• Details: Approximately 3600–4000 conflict-related detainees faced torture or ill-treatment including beatings electric shocks sexual violence and incommunicado detention. Specific cases include the 2019 police beating death of activist Oleksandr Komarnitsky in Vinnytsia and the torture of Ihor Harmatiy in Uzhhorod.
• Evidence: OHCHR’s 2021 thematic report documented 1300+ cases through victim interviews noting 57% of 2023 detainees reported torture. The U.S. State Department (2019–2023) cited UN findings of systemic torture by SBU and police including against juveniles. A 2016 UN report detailed summary executions and torture-related deaths in custody. https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine


• Accountability: Only 10% of cases resulted in convictions (UN 2016). Investigations were protracted allowing some perpetrators to evade justice. Impunity for senior officials remains a significant issue.

• 2014–2017: Abuses by Volunteer Battalions
• Details: Battalions like Aidar Tornado and Donbas were accused of abductions torture and killings particularly targeting suspected separatists. A notable case is the 2014 killing of Oleksandr Ahafonov by SBU officers.
• Evidence: OHCHR (2016–2017) reports based on victim testimonies confirmed abuses by volunteer units. Amnesty International’s 2014 report specifically accused the Aidar Battalion of war crimes including extortion and torture. Only one indictment was reported in 13 SBU-related cases with no accountability for senior commanders some of whom later entered parliament. https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/europe-and-central-asia/eastern-europe-and-central-asia/ukraine/report-ukraine

• Accountability: Limited prosecutions; impunity for battalion leaders persists with some protected by political ties.

• 2019–2023: Harsh Prison Conditions and Abuse
• Details: Overcrowding beatings and inadequate medical care led to deaths in custody e.g. 2019 mass beating at Prison #26 2020 rape and beating at Oleksyyivska colony and 2023 death of Mykyta Mezentsev due to neglect.
• Evidence: U.S. State Department (2019–2023) reports supported by HRMMU and local groups like the Kharkiv Human Rights Group documented these abuses through interviews and inspections. https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine
• Accountability: Investigations ongoing but slow; no high-level convictions reported.

• 2022–2023: Arbitrary Detentions for “Collaboration”
• Details: Ukrainian authorities detained civilians accused of collaborating with Russian forces in liberated areas (Kherson Izium) often without due process involving torture or unfair trials.
• Evidence: OHCHR’s 2023 report documented 75 cases of arbitrary detention some amounting to enforced disappearances and 33 cases of torture or mistreatment to extract confessions. The UN noted concerns over vague “collaboration” laws leading to procedural violations and lack of legal counsel. https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine

• Accountability: Ukrainian authorities opened nearly 6000 criminal cases for collaboration by 2023 but OHCHR expressed concern over convictions based on conduct permitted under IHL (civilian compliance with occupying powers). Few cases led to accountability for abuses. https://www.ohchr.org/en/meeting-summaries/2023/10/human-rights-council-hears-blatant-and-unabated-violations-human-rights

• 2024: Death of Gonzalo Lira
• Details: Chilean-American filmmaker Gonzalo Lira died in Ukrainian custody in 2024 after being detained for “justifying Russia’s military actions.” His health reportedly deteriorated due to neglect or mistreatment.
• Evidence: U.S. State Department’s 2024 report noted Lira’s death raising concerns about prison conditions and potential neglect. Independent verification is limited but the case drew attention to detainee treatment. https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine
• Accountability: No public investigation outcomes reported by 2025.

Underreported Aspects: The systemic nature of torture in SBU facilities and secret detention sites (2014–2021) has been overshadowed by Russian violations. Abuses by volunteer battalions like Aidar and Azov despite clear documentation by Amnesty and OHCHR received minimal follow-up after 2017 with perpetrators often shielded by political connections. The death of Gonzalo Lira and similar cases of detainee neglect are rarely highlighted in Western media compared to Russian prisoner abuses. https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/europe-and-central-asia/eastern-europe-and-central-asia/ukraine/report-ukraine

3. Endangering Civilians Through Military Tactics (2016–2022)
Accusation: Ukrainian forces endangered civilians by positioning military assets in residential areas schools and hospitals drawing enemy fire and failing to evacuate civilians violating IHL obligations to take precautions to protect civilians.

• 2016–2017: Military Use of Civilian Infrastructure
• Details: Ukrainian forces stationed troops and weapons in residential areas and near critical infrastructure (Lopaskyne homes water facilities) exposing civilians to retaliatory strikes.
• Evidence: OHCHR’s 2016–2017 reports documented these practices through field observations noting violations of IHL’s precaution principle. https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/europe-and-central-asia/ukraine/report-ukraine
• Accountability: No prosecutions reported; practices continued into later years.

• 2022: Operating from Populated Areas
• Details: Ukrainian forces based troops and weapons in 19 towns (Kharkiv Donbas Mykolaiv) including 22 schools and hospitals without evacuating civilians. Examples include a child and woman killed near an Odesa school (June 28 2022) and a man killed in a Mykolaiv village (June 10 2022) due to strikes on nearby military positions.
• Evidence: Amnesty International’s August 2022 report based on on-site visits and interviews confirmed military equipment in civilian areas violating IHL. Photos showed artillery near homes; witnesses noted alternative locations (woods) were available. Ukraine’s failure to evacuate civilians exacerbated risks. https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine

• Accountability: Ukraine rejected Amnesty’s findings as miscontextualized and no investigations into specific incidents were reported.

Underreported Aspects: Amnesty’s 2022 report faced backlash and was downplayed by Ukrainian officials and some Western media despite robust evidence from fieldwork. The practice of militarizing civilian areas is less scrutinized than Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure creating a perception of imbalance in reporting. https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine

4. Execution of Prisoners of War (2022–2023)
Accusation: Ukrainian forces have been accused of extrajudicial killings and mistreatment of Russian prisoners of war (POWs) constituting war crimes under the Geneva Conventions.

• 2022–2023: Ill-Treatment and Executions
• Details: Ukrainian forces were implicated in two incidents of mistreating Russian POWs including shooting and wounding captives and one confirmed case of executing a Russian POW.
• Evidence: OHCHR’s 2023 report documented these incidents through interviews and investigations classifying them as war crimes. Amnesty International’s 2023 report referenced videos showing Ukrainian forces shooting the legs of three captured Russian soldiers and torturing wounded POWs. https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine


• Accountability: Ukraine opened investigations into POW abuses but no public convictions were reported by 2025. The UN noted a lack of effective investigations into these cases. https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine

Underreported Aspects: POW abuses by Ukrainian forces receive significantly less attention than Russian POW mistreatment despite video evidence and UN confirmation. The lack of accountability for these incidents is rarely highlighted in mainstream Western reporting. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2023/country-chapters/ukraine

5. Discrimination and Violence Against Minorities (2014–2023)
Accusation: Ukrainian authorities and affiliated nationalist groups (Azov C14 National Corps) have been accused of violence and discrimination against ethnic minorities (Roma Crimean Tatars) LGBTI individuals and political opponents often with impunity.

• 2014–2023: Attacks on Roma and LGBTI Communities
• Details: Radical groups some receiving government funding attacked Roma camps (2018 Kyiv attack) and LGBTI events (2019 Ivano-Frankivsk arson). Police often failed to intervene or classify these as hate crimes.
• Evidence: U.S. State Department reports (2019–2020) noted government grants ($35000) to groups like C14 for “patriotic education” despite their role in hate crimes. HRW’s 2020 report documented physical attacks and hate speech against minorities with minimal prosecutions. https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine

• Accountability: Impunity is widespread; HRMMU reported police reluctance to pursue hate crime charges and no high-level officials were held accountable.

• 2014–2023: Political Repression and Media Restrictions
• Details: Under martial law (2022–present) Ukraine restricted press freedom monopolized television (TV Marathon) and blocked 1152 websites. Journalists faced beatings (Volodymyr Sedov July 2023) and the Myrotvorets website leaked personal data of perceived opponents.
• Evidence: OHCHR’s 2021 report raised concerns over political repression and the U.S. State Department’s 2023 report documented journalist harassment and censorship under martial law. https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine
• Accountability: No accountability for media restrictions or journalist attacks; martial law justified these measures.

Underreported Aspects: Violence by nationalist groups often state-supported is rarely emphasized in Western narratives despite evidence of impunity. Media restrictions and political repression under martial law are downplayed as wartime necessities overshadowing their impact on democratic freedoms. https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine

6. Gender-Based Violence and Societal Abuses (2014–2023)
Accusation: Ukrainian authorities have been accused of failing to address widespread gender-based violence and societal abuses exacerbated by conflict and weak judicial responses.

• 2014–2023: Domestic and Gender-Based Violence
• Details: Reports indicate 192000 gender-based violence complaints in 2023 with a 40% increase during COVID-19 and the war. Police often dismissed cases as “private matters.”
• Evidence: U.S. State Department’s 2020–2023 reports noted inadequate police responses and a lack of prosecutions. The Conversation highlighted Ukraine’s poor record on addressing gender violence undermining post-conflict stability. https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine
• Accountability: Limited prosecutions; systemic failure to address gender-based violence persists.

Underreported Aspects: The scale of gender-based violence and the government’s inadequate response are rarely highlighted as conflict-related violations dominate reporting. https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2022/10/un-commission-concludes-war-crimes-have-been-committed-ukraine-expresses

7. Odessa Clashes (May 2 2014)
Accusation: Ukrainian authorities and nationalist groups were accused of responsibility for the deaths of 48 pro-Russian activists in a fire at the House of Trade Unions in Odessa described by some as a massacre.
• Details: Clashes between pro-Ukrainian and pro-Russian groups led to a fire that killed 48 people mostly pro-Russian activists. Russian sources allege deliberate arson by Ukrainian nationalists with authorities failing to intervene.
• Evidence: OHCHR’s 2014 report found mutual violence but noted significant accountability gaps. Investigations by Ukrainian authorities were inconclusive with no clear evidence of deliberate arson. Russian claims (New Daily Compass) lack independent corroboration. https://www.ohchr.org/en/meeting-summaries/2023/10/human-rights-council-hears-blatant-and-unabated-violations-human-rights
• Accountability: No convictions for the deaths; investigations stalled fueling perceptions of impunity.

Underreported Aspects: The Odessa incident is often framed as a mutual clash but the lack of accountability for the deaths is rarely scrutinized in Western media contrasting with extensive coverage of Russian massacres. https://www.ohchr.org/en/meeting-summaries/2023/10/human-rights-council-hears-blatant-and-unabated-violations-human-rights

8. Unsubstantiated or Weakly Supported Allegations
Accusation: Russian narratives have accused Ukraine of genocide in Donbas (2014–2022) and downing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 (July 17 2014).

• Genocide in Donbas
• Details: Russia claimed Ukraine committed genocide alleging tens of thousands of civilian deaths in Donbas.
• Evidence: Unsupported; UN estimates 13000 total deaths (2014–2019) including 4000 Ukrainian forces with no genocide findings. OHCHR and HRW attribute civilian deaths to both sides primarily from indiscriminate shelling. https://www.osce.org/odihr/594793
• Accountability: No credible investigations; claims dismissed as Russian propaganda.

• MH17 Downing
• Details: Russia accused Ukraine of shooting down MH17 killing 298 people.
• Evidence: The Joint Investigation Team (2016) concluded the missile was a Russian Buk fired from separatist territory. No credible evidence implicates Ukraine. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_crimes_in_the_Russian_invasion_of_Ukraine
• Accountability: International courts rejected Russian claims; no Ukrainian prosecutions.

Underreported Aspects: These allegations are largely dismissed as propaganda but their persistence in Russian narratives highlights the need for transparent investigations to counter misinformation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_crimes_in_the_Russian_invasion_of_Ukraine

9. Human Rights Violations in Conscription Enforcement (2022–2025)
Accusation: Ukrainian authorities have been accused of human rights violations in enforcing mandatory military conscription including arbitrary detentions forced recruitment mistreatment of conscripts and restrictions on freedom of movement particularly under martial law (2022–present).

• 2022–2023: Forced Conscription and Arbitrary Detentions
• Details: Ukrainian authorities intensified conscription after Russia’s 2022 invasion with allegations of men being forcibly detained on streets at checkpoints or in public places to meet recruitment quotas. Reports describe “press-ganging” tactics where individuals were coerced into service without proper medical checks or legal procedures violating rights to due process and freedom from arbitrary detention.
• Evidence: HRW and Amnesty International reported in 2022–2023 on cases of forced conscription citing videos and witness testimonies of men detained by military officials in public spaces (Kyiv Odesa). A 2023 OHCHR report noted concerns about arbitrary detentions linked to conscription with some individuals denied exemptions for health or conscientious objection reasons. Local Ukrainian media (Kyiv Post 2023) reported complaints about aggressive recruitment tactics including physical coercion. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2023/country-chapters/ukraine

• Accountability: No specific prosecutions for conscription-related abuses reported by 2025. Investigations into complaints are limited with martial law cited as justification for expedited recruitment.

• 2022–2024: Mistreatment and Poor Conditions for Conscripts
• Details: Conscripts faced allegations of inadequate training lack of medical care and exposure to dangerous conditions without proper equipment. Some reports highlighted forced deployment to frontlines with minimal preparation raising concerns about the right to life and humane treatment.
• Evidence: U.S. State Department’s 2023 and 2024 reports noted poor conditions in military training facilities including overcrowding and insufficient medical support based on interviews with conscripts and NGOs. A 2023 BBC investigation referenced accounts of conscripts facing physical abuse during training or punishment for refusing deployment. https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine
• Accountability: Ukrainian authorities acknowledged some complaints but attributed issues to wartime exigencies. No high-level investigations or convictions reported by 2025.

• 2022–2023: Restrictions on Freedom of Movement
• Details: Under martial law men aged 18–60 were prohibited from leaving Ukraine to enforce conscription raising concerns about freedom of movement and potential discrimination. Reports documented men detained at borders or punished for attempting to leave.
• Evidence: OHCHR’s 2023 report highlighted restrictions on freedom of movement as a human rights concern noting men faced harassment or detention when attempting to cross borders even with legal exemptions (medical or familial grounds). Amnesty International’s 2023 report criticized the blanket ban as disproportionate impacting civilians’ rights. https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/10/un-commission-inquiry-ukraine-finds-continued-war-crimes-and-human-rights

• Accountability: No accountability measures reported; the policy remains in place under martial law as of 2025.

Underreported Aspects: Conscription-related abuses receive less attention in Western media compared to other Ukrainian violations such as indiscriminate attacks or torture. The focus on Ukraine’s defense efforts often overshadows reports of coercive recruitment practices despite evidence from HRW OHCHR and local sources. The impact of movement restrictions on men and their families is rarely highlighted despite its widespread societal effects. https://www.osce.org/odihr/594793

Overall Assessment of Proof and Accountability
• Proven or Substantiated:

• Indiscriminate Attacks (2014–2015 2022): HRW Amnesty and NYT confirmed Ukrainian use of Grad rockets and cluster munitions causing civilian deaths with forensic evidence and witness testimonies. These are clear IHL violations potentially war crimes. https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/europe-and-central-asia/eastern-europe-and-central-asia/ukraine/report-ukraine https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2023/country-chapters/ukraine

• Torture and Arbitrary Detention (2014–2023): OHCHR documented over 1300 cases of torture and 75 arbitrary detentions in 2023 supported by victim interviews and UN inspections. https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine


• Endangering Civilians (2016–2022): Amnesty’s 2022 report provided robust evidence of military operations in civilian areas violating IHL. https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine

• POW Executions (2022–2023): OHCHR and Amnesty confirmed isolated cases of POW mistreatment and one execution classified as war crimes.


• Discrimination and Violence: U.S. State Department and HRW documented attacks on minorities and media restrictions with evidence of impunity. https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine

• Conscription Enforcement (2022–2025): HRW OHCHR and Amnesty documented forced recruitment arbitrary detentions and movement restrictions with evidence from videos testimonies and NGO reports. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2023/country-chapters/ukraine


• Partially Substantiated or Ongoing:
• Odessa Clashes (2014): OHCHR found accountability gaps but evidence of deliberate Ukrainian responsibility is inconclusive. https://www.ohchr.org/en/meeting-summaries/2023/10/human-rights-council-hears-blatant-and-unabated-violations-human-rights

• Gender-Based Violence: U.S. State Department confirmed systemic issues but specific war-related cases lack detailed documentation. https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine

• Unproven: Russian claims of genocide and MH17 responsibility lack credible evidence and are widely rejected. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_crimes_in_the_Russian_invasion_of_Ukraine

• Accountability Gaps: Impunity is a major issue. Only 10% of torture cases led to convictions (UN 2016). Volunteer battalion abuses (Aidar) remain unprosecuted with leaders protected by political ties. Investigations into POW abuses collaboration detentions and conscription-related abuses are ongoing but lack transparency. Ukraine’s judicial system hampered by corruption and martial law has failed to address most violations effectively. https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine


Underreported or Overlooked Issues

• Volunteer Battalion Abuses (2014–2017): Despite Amnesty and OHCHR documentation of war crimes by Aidar Tornado and Donbas battalions these cases are rarely revisited. Political protection of battalion leaders (some now in parliament) and their integration into official forces have minimized scrutiny. https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/europe-and-central-asia/eastern-europe-and-central-asia/ukraine/report-ukraine

• Secret Detention Facilities: OHCHR’s evidence of SBU-run secret prisons (2014–2021) is underreported with no high-level accountability despite over 1300 documented cases of torture. https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine
• Cluster Munitions Use: Ukrainian use of cluster munitions in 2014 and 2022 confirmed by HRW receives less attention than Russian violations despite violating customary IHL. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2023/country-chapters/ukraine

• Media and Political Repression: Martial law restrictions on press freedom and journalist attacks (Volodymyr Sedov Myrotvorets leaks) are often justified as wartime measures overshadowing their impact on democratic norms. https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine

• Collaboration Detentions: Vague “collaboration” laws leading to arbitrary detentions and torture (2022–2023) are rarely criticized in Western media despite OHCHR concerns over unfair trials. https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/10/un-commission-inquiry-ukraine-finds-continued-war-crimes-and-human-rights

• Gender-Based Violence: The systemic failure to address 192000+ complaints in 2023 is sidelined by conflict-focused reporting despite its long-term societal impact. https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine

• Conscription-Related Abuses: Forced recruitment arbitrary detentions and movement restrictions (2022–2025) receive less attention than other violations despite evidence from HRW OHCHR and local sources. The focus on Ukraine’s defense efforts overshadows coercive conscription practices. https://www.osce.org/odihr/594793

Additional Notes

• Challenges in Documentation: Ongoing conflict limited access to Russian-controlled areas and martial law restrictions hinder comprehensive investigations. OHCHR and HRW note that some allegations require further verification due to these constraints. https://www.osce.org/odihr/594793

• Western Media Bias: While Russian violations dominate coverage Ukrainian abuses are often framed as lesser or contextualized as wartime necessities reducing their visibility. This imbalance may contribute to perceptions of suppressed information. https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine

• Sources Used: The summary draws on OHCHR HRW Amnesty International U.S. State Department reports and additional sources like NYT OSCE BBC and Kyiv Post ensuring credibility. Russian claims (genocide MH17) were evaluated but dismissed unless independently verified. https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ukraine



This summary provides a comprehensive evidence-based overview of accusations against Ukraine highlighting both substantiated violations and underreported issues while maintaining focus on credible sources and accountability gaps. For further details consult the cited reports from OHCHR HRW Amnesty International and the U.S. Department of State. 

One can view Russia is the bad guy, but that doesn't make the Ukraine the good guys. Those supporting the Ukraine seem to think that the cold war never ended and that Russia is still the USSR, and my telling them what to think doesn't matter; just like I view the Ukraine as a bunch of Neo Nazis and it's supporters as Nazi sympathizers, and telling me what to think is useless. 

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