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Country Case Studies

Ukraine

Since launching its military invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Russian forces have perpetrated attacks against civilian populations. In justifying this attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin has misrepresented and misappropriated Holocaust history by claiming falsely that democratic Ukraine needs to be “denazified.” While battle lines have fluctuated, civilians in Ukraine continue to live at an extremely high and persistent risk of violence. There is a reasonable basis to conclude that Russian attacks on the civilian population constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.

  • One year on: The state of efforts to protect civilians and secure justice in Ukraine

    On the solemn one year anniversary of the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, civilians continue to experience horrific mass atrocity crimes. This article examines the greatest risks facing civilians and the prospects for justice.

  • Museum Condemns Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

    The Museum issued this statement in February 2022 condemning Russia's outrageous attack on Ukraine and Vladimir Putin's exploitation of Holocaust history as a pretext for war.

  • Ukraine Fact Sheet

    This downloadable flyer provides background information on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the mass atrocity crimes being committed by Russian forces against the Ukrainian people, and what you can do to help.

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  • Pursuing Justice Handbook: Ukrainian Edition

    Pursuing Justice for Mass Atrocities: A Handbook for Victim Groups, is an educational guide and practical tool for victims and survivors of mass atrocity crimes who are seeking justice. This is the Ukrainian version of the Handbook, which is available in multiple languages at ushmm.org/pursuing-justice

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  • Ukraine and the Urgency of Accountability

    This article discusses the efforts of underway to investigate the crimes Russia is committing against the Ukrainian people and to prevent further atrocities, and what is needed to lay a foundation for accountability.

  • International Legal Options for Prevention and Justice in Ukraine

    This brief outlines a number of initiatives undertaken to seek justice for atrocity crimes committed by Russia against Ukraine, and discusses additional avenues for justice that could be pursued.

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  • Mass Atrocities in Ukraine: Assessing Risks in of Significant Escalation

    This report shares a readout from a private convening of experts to discuss potential scenarios of mass atrocity escalation in Ukraine. Key themes include perpetrator motives, geographic patterns of violence, types and indicators of violence, and potential atrocity prevention actions.

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