Ukrainian officials are now investigating more than 21,000 allegations of war crimes committed since the start of the war, the country’s prosecutor general has said.
According to prosecutor general, Iryna Venediktova, her team is investigating 200-300 cases of alleged war crimes a day.
Although Russia has denied all allegations of war crimes, Ms Venediktova said it has uncovered multiple sites, such as Bucha and Borodyanka where atrocities have been discovered.
Speaking to the BBC’s World Service Outside Source, she said that Russian soldiers who killed, tortured or raped civilians “should understand that it’s only a question of time when they all will be in court”.
Previously, the prosecutor general said 600 suspects had already been identified and 80 prosecutions had begun.
Due to the war, however, she said it has become difficult to investigate cases properly, while the International Criminal Court has described Ukraine as a “crime scene”.
Vadim Shishimarin, became the first Russian soldier to be convicted of killing of an Ukrainian civilian in May.
The European Commission is also supporting the investigation with vice president, Josep Borrell stating: “There can be no impunity for the crimes committed under Russian occupation.
“The International Criminal Court’s investigations are crucial to ensure accountability and justice for the heinous crimes committed in Ukraine.”
The United Nations said 4,889 civilians have been killed during the conflict.
Of that figure, 41 children have died while a further 6,263 civilians have been injured.
The UN Refugee Agency has claimed nine million people have fled Ukraine since the war began.
