Ukraine recorded more than 71,000 war crimes allegations in the first year of the Russian occupation, a figure that underscores the scale and intensity of the conflict. Ukrainian authorities have documented tens of thousands of incidents, and Eurojust has established a forensic database to securely store evidence. In the initial year, Eurojust identified 276 individuals suspected of different crimes connected to the occupation and proceeded to announce 26 sentences in domestic courts. This marks a significant early step in gathering accountability for acts committed across Ukrainian territory since the invasion began on February 24 of the previous year [citation: Eurojust].
Ukrainian officials highlighted the breadth of the casework at a briefing in The Hague, where senior prosecutors outlined the total still under consideration. The reporting indicates that more than 16,000 crimes affecting Ukraine’s national security were recorded in the same period, illustrating the wide range of abuses that authorities are tracing—from acts of aggression to disruptions of governance and everyday life under occupation [citation: Ukrainian authorities]. The figures reflect ongoing investigations that span multiple jurisdictions and involve collaboration with international partners to ensure proper legal processing and eventual accountability.
Among the cases tracked, 276 individuals were singled out as suspects across various categories of offenses tied to the occupation. The process included the referral of 99 defendants to Ukrainian courts for trial, a step that demonstrates the commitment of Ukrainian judicial authorities to advance prosecutions within the national system and in alignment with international standards for due process. The overall caseload also includes a growing list of charges related to breaches of wartime law, humanitarian norms, and security-related offenses, with prosecutors prioritizing evidence collection, witness protection, and the preservation of legal integrity as investigations unfold [citation: Ukrainian authorities].
Since the start of the conflict, the justice system in Ukraine has lodged numerous investigations with the aim of delivering measurable outcomes. As of now, 26 sentences have been handed down, reflecting progress in adjudicating offenses linked to the Russian occupation. These sentences, while just a portion of the wider docket, signal that Ukrainian courts are actively engaging with complex wartime cases to establish accountability and deter future violations. International observers note that continued coordination with Eurojust and other partners will be crucial to maintaining momentum and ensuring that judgments are transparent, enforceable, and consistent with international humanitarian law [citation: Eurojust].