Russia committed ‘crimes against humanity,’ says the UN

The United Nations (UN) accused Russia of committing "crimes against humanity" against the civilian population in its conflict against Ukraine.

As detailed by an independent UN international commission of inquiry in a report picked up by AFP, "these crimes were perpetrated as part of a coordinated state policy (...) in all provinces of Ukraine, where some areas came under Russian control."

Specifically, the UN commission referred to "acts of torture" and "enforced disappearances" committed by Russians against Ukrainians in the conflict that still continues. He also added "sexual violence" as another crime perpetrated.

"They committed other violations and crimes during these prolonged detentions. Many victims were missing for months or years, and some died in captivity," stressed the organization, which, in addition, commented that Ukrainian soldiers were tortured.

It is not the first time that the UN accuses Russia of committing "crimes against humanity."

G7 unanimous in its support for Ukraine

In Canada, the foreign ministers of the countries that make up the G7 met in Charlevoix (Quebec, Canada) to discuss different international issues. However, the topic that monopolized much of the attention at the meeting was the conflict in Ukraine.

The diplomatic leaders of the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States showed unanimity in offering their "unfailing support" to Ukraine.

"We reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity," the intergovernmental forum maintained. "We welcomed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire, and in particular the meeting on March 11 between the US and Ukraine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We applauded Ukraine’s commitment to an immediate ceasefire, which is an essential step towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with the Charter of the United Nations."

In addition, the G7 threatened to impose sanctions on Russia if it does not accept the truce conditions.

"We called for Russia to reciprocate by agreeing to a ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it fully. We discussed imposing further costs on Russia in case such a ceasefire is not agreed, including through further sanctions, caps on oil prices, as well as additional support for Ukraine, and other means," he concluded.

Specifically, Marco Rubio, as the top US diplomat, stated that there is still "a lot of work to be done" to achieve an end to the conflict, while saying that "there is reason to be cautiously optimistic."