As the Ukrainian army liberates territory from Russian occupation, authorities say they are finding evidence of atrocities and crimes against humanity that could amount to genocide.
Oleg Nikolenko, the spokesman for Ukraine's Foreign Affairs Ministry, said the findings point to the need for a special tribunal. But Ukraine's allies, including Canada, question the proposal.
On Sunday, Ukrainian prosecutor general Andriy Kostin told the BBC that Russia's recent strikes against energy infrastructure were the equivalent of genocide. The attacks plunged 10 million people into darkness, mainly in the capital of Kyiv. The drinking water supply has also failed, sparking fears about the coming winter.
The determination of what constitutes a genocide can stir heated debate. Ukraine long fought to have the Holodomor -- the man-made famine in Soviet Ukraine that killed millions in 1932-33 -- recognized as a genocide, something Canada did in 2008. The UN Genocide Convention defines genocide as acts "committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group.
Marie Lamensch, projects coordinator at the Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies, based at Concordia University, recently spoke of the "hyperviolence" of the war in Ukraine, which she said surpasses what has previously been seen. She spoke at a recent conference on Ukrainian studies in Ottawa of "mutilations committed on bodies even after murders."
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Zelensky warns of more Russian strikes on Ukraine as fighting rages in DonetskThe Ukrainian President on Sunday urged defence forces and citizens to be prepared to withstand a new week of strain on the power grid amid freezing temperatures
Read more »
Russian forces shell eastern, southern Ukraine as utility crews scramble to restore power, water and heatShelling by Russian forces struck several areas in eastern and southern Ukraine overnight as utility crews continued a scramble to restore power, water and heating following widespread strikes in recent weeks, officials said Sunday.
Read more »
Zelenskyy warns Ukraine to brace for more Russian attacksLVIV/KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday that Russia would surely launch new missile attacks on his country, and warned defense…
Read more »
Ukraine says atrocities uncovered as Russian troops withdraw could amount to genocide | National NewswatchNational Newswatch: Canada's most comprehensive site for political news and views. Make it a daily habit.
Read more »
Pockets of shelling across Ukraine as wintry warfare loomsRussian forces struck eastern and southern Ukraine early Sunday as utility crews scrambled to restore power, water and heating with the onset of snow and frigid temperatures.
Read more »
Ukrainian vendors showcase their creativity at Winnipeg Christmas market - Winnipeg | Globalnews.caNearly two dozen Ukrainians showcased their art, food, and crafts at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Sunday afternoon.
Read more »