On February 19, a press conference “Evidence of the Genocidal Nature of Russian Aggression” took place at the Ukrainian Crisis Media Center.

The event was moderated by Lyusyana Shum, Executive Director of the National Interests Advocacy Network “ANTS”.

The speakers included:

• Andrii Mikheiev, international law expert at the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV);
• Kateryna Polyanska, ecologist at the NGO “Environment People Law”;
• Olga Chevganiuk, head of the Strategic Initiatives Department at UAnimals.

During the press conference, the speakers talked about the evidence of Russia’s genocidal actions in Ukraine. This included cultural and environmental destruction, and especially the deportation of Ukrainian children from occupied areas. Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, more than 19,000 Ukrainian children have been taken to Russia.

When we talk about genocide, first thing that comes to mind is a deportation of Ukrainian children. Deporting children from one group and transporting them to another is directly defined as one of the acts of genocide under the Rome Statute.

Andrii Mikheiev, international law expert at the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV).

Lyusyana Shum said that over 2,100 cultural infrastructure objects have been damaged, with around 20% completely destroyed. Among them are more than 1,300 cultural heritage sites, including museums, historical buildings, and other objects important to national identity.

When the Russians captured new territories, they primarily targeted libraries and museums, destroying books and valuable items there.

Lyusyana Shum, Executive Director of the National Interests Advocacy Network “ANTS”.

Kateryna Polyanska stressed that explosives are polluting Ukrainian land, posing dangers to both people and nature. From Polissia to the Black and Azov Seas, all natural areas have been damaged. She pointed out that chemical pollution from explosions could have long-lasting effects on the environment.

We continue to gather evidence of genocide, work at the international level, and spread the truth about Russia’s crimes. Experts have urged world leaders not only to take appropriate actions to hold the aggressor accountable but also to officially recognize the genocide of Ukrainians, especially those countries that have not done this yet. Eight countries have already recognized Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as genocide, but this is not enough – the world must directly call Russia’s actions a crime and ensure the aggressor is punished.