Ukraine recorded more than 71,000 war crimes allegations in the first year of the Russian occupation, according to Ukrainian authorities. The figure highlights the breadth of alleged abuses and the urgency of gathering evidence for future accountability. Eurojust has established a forensic database to preserve and organize findings from ongoing investigations, supporting cross-border cooperation and ensuring that documentation remains accessible for prosecutors across jurisdictions.
In the period since the invasion began, Eurojust reported identifying 276 individuals as suspects connected to various offenses tied to the occupation. This group of suspects spans a range of alleged crimes, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of events in affected regions. A portion of these cases, totaling 99 defendants, has been referred to Ukrainian courts for further action, illustrating the collaborative approach between international bodies and national authorities in processing allegations and moving cases forward.
According to Ukrainian liaison prosecutor at Eurojust, Miroslava Krasnoborova, who spoke at a press conference in The Hague, more than 71,000 war crimes allegations and over 16,000 crimes affecting Ukraine’s national security have been recorded since February 24 of the previous year. The numbers underscore the ongoing impact of the conflict on civilians, infrastructure, and sovereignty, as well as the sustained effort to document wrongdoing and pursue justice.
As investigations continue, Ukrainian authorities report that the justice system has issued 26 sentences tied to these investigations, signaling progress in adjudicating alleged offenses and holding individuals to account. The evolving body of evidence and the expanding database aim to support timely prosecutions while safeguarding the integrity of the process across borders. This ongoing effort reflects a concerted commitment to accountability and the rule of law amid a period of intense upheaval and displacement. [Citation: Eurojust briefing and Ukrainian official statements]
The scale of alleged crimes emphasizes the need for thorough, transparent procedures that respect due process. Analysts note that the combined use of national and international channels helps ensure that investigations remain comprehensive, verifiable, and capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny in diverse legal contexts. The collaboration also aims to protect victims and preserve crucial evidence for future trials, while guiding policymakers on humanitarian and justice-focused responses. As more data are analyzed and new cases are brought forward, authorities stress the importance of precise documentation, cross-border cooperation, and continued monitoring to address war crimes and related offenses in a systematic, credible manner. [Citation: Eurojust forensic database overview]