Ukraine recently took a significant step in the pursuit of accountability for war crimes by extraditing a captured Russian soldier to Lithuania, marking a historical moment in international justice. This event is the first instance since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022 where a Russian serviceman has been handed over to another nation for prosecution related to alleged war crimes.
Ukraine’s prosecutor general, Ruslan Kravchenko, announced via Telegram that the soldier, who previously served in the Russian military police, was apprehended by Ukrainian forces in the Zaporizhzhia region, specifically near the village of Robotyne. The charges against him originate from serious infractions, including the illegal detention, torture, and mistreatment of civilians and prisoners of war. Among the alleged victims is a Lithuanian citizen.
Kravchenko underscored the significance of this extradition, stating that it sets a “historic and important precedent” for the international justice system. He emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to holding Russian military officials accountable for atrocities committed during the invasion. “This is a clear signal to every war criminal: you will not be able to hide from justice in any country of the free world,” he remarked.
In response, Lithuania’s prosecutor general’s office confirmed that the nation’s law enforcement had collaborated closely with Ukrainian authorities on this case. The office detailed that the soldier not only facilitated the illegal detention of individuals but was also implicated in acts of violence against them. Allegations include severe methods of torture such as imprisoning victims in a confined metal safe, asphyxiation until they lost consciousness, and administering electric shocks.
The legal proceedings have commenced in Lithuania, with a court ruling to keep the soldier in detention for a minimum of three months while preparations for the trial are underway. If convicted, he may face life imprisonment under Lithuanian law, bolstering the nation’s stance as a strong ally of Ukraine, as well as a member of both NATO and the European Union.
