The article discusses a briefing held at the Ukrainian Embassy in Tokyo, focusing on escalating Russian war crimes, nuclear threats, and environmental destruction amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Organized by the Ukrainian NGO Truth Hounds and the U.S.-based Project Expedite Justice (PEJ), the session highlighted systematic violence perpetrated by Russia.
Dmytro Koval of Truth Hounds emphasized the continuity of these violations, contrasting early media coverage of the war with today’s fading attention. The panel discussed the significant environmental damage caused by the June 6, 2023, destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, attributed to Russian sabotage, which has exacerbated risks at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
Experts outlined a fragile situation at the plant, including repeated power losses and militarization by Russian forces, posing risks beyond Ukraine. They reported on human rights abuses, including torture of Ukrainian personnel at the plant, pressuring them to cooperate with the Russian state nuclear company Rosatom.
The panelists called for enhanced global actions to address these issues and expressed hope that the International Criminal Court would eventually address the crimes committed. Additionally, they noted Japan’s potential role based on its experiences with nuclear disasters. The article ends by mentioning a recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights identifying Russia’s responsibility for widespread abuses in Ukraine.
