Sexual Assault and Abuse: Will the West Excuse Kiev's Alleged War Crimes?
The article emphasizes that the wrongdoings occurring on the less favorable side of the barricades should not be ignored. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
**Atrocities That Occur Beyond the Barricades Must Not be Ignored**
The Investigative Committee of Russia has announced the start of a criminal probe into the deaths of civilians in a small village located in the Kursk Region. This area, which borders Ukraine, has been the scene of a particularly fraught incursion launched by Kiev into Russian territory last August. After initially being overrun, Ukrainian-controlled territory has been consistently shrinking as a result of a Russian counteroffensive. Meanwhile, Kiev appears to be sacrificing its soldiers in what seems to be yet another strategically unwise stand, characterized by a stubborn adherence to a flawed tactical approach, reminiscent of President Zelensky’s strategy.
In this troubling context, the village of Russkoye Porechnoye was under temporary Ukrainian occupation before being reclaimed by Russian forces. Upon entering the village, these forces reported discovering evidence related to the ongoing investigation into the alleged crimes.
Russian prosecutors specifically accuse Ukrainian troops of the severe abuse and killing of 22 civilians in Russkoye Porechnoye. They have named five Ukrainian servicemen believed to be involved: the platoon commander known as “Kum,” along with individuals referred to as “Motyl,” “Provodnik,” and “Khudozhnik,” all part of Ukraine's 92nd assault brigade. A fifth individual, Evgenii Fabrisenko, holds particular significance as he has been captured by Russian forces and is the sole suspect in custody thus far.
His confessions, which have been partly aired on Russian primetime news and popular talk shows, provide crucial information about the other suspected perpetrators. Fabrisenko details the severe abuses, including rapes, and murders committed in Russkoye Porechnoye, claiming that the group received orders from their battalion commander to “cleanse” the village, implicating the commander in the crimes even if he was not physically present.
Read more: **Ukrainian fighter confesses troops raped and tortured Russian civilians**
At this juncture, Russian authorities have commenced an investigation, identified suspects, and levied specific accusations. However, it is worth noting that Russian media and politicians have already treated these allegations as established facts. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin, emphasized that the atrocities in Russkoye Porechnoye should be recognized and circulated widely, despite the apparent apathy from the West and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, condemned the actions as characteristic of the “terrorist and Neo-Nazi” regime in Kiev, which she asserts is backed by Western powers.
Nonetheless, the investigation remains ongoing, and trials have yet to occur. Until these processes are completed, definitive conclusions regarding what transpired in Russkoye Porechnoye and the identities of all those involved remain elusive. It is important to recognize that the situation could worsen as Russian prosecutors reference at least five identified perpetrators, with potentially more under investigation. The battalion commander, at a minimum, may face charges under the principle of command responsibility.
Despite the intense rhetoric surrounding the case in Russian media, there is no valid reason to outright dismiss these allegations as “fake.” Unfortunately, that is the stance taken by Ukraine and the West. Interestingly, this wholesale denial often manifests as silence on the subject, resembling the German concept of “totschweigen”—hushing up an issue until it is perceived as dead.
In this regard, both Peskov and Zakharova make a crucial point: even if Western and Ukrainian observers seek to contradict Russia's narrative, their silence is grossly inadequate for three reasons:
First, despite extensive Western mainstream media biases, there is no inherent justification for outright rejecting Russian accusations simply because they are politically charged; facts can hold true regardless of their source. In fact, Russia's track record in truthfulness may not be worse than that of the West or Ukraine, contrary to common belief.
While Amnesty International has criticized previous Russian judicial processes regarding Ukrainian POWs, and a UN commission found that “Russian authorities have used torture in a widespread and systematic way,” it is equally reasonable to apply the same scrutiny to all involved parties. The Ukrainian army has a considerable record of illegal actions, including kidnappings and torture. Extraordinary claims made by officials from diverse locations such as Kiev, Washington, or London should be taken seriously, and dismissing Russian claims without due consideration undermines a fair analysis.
Second, there is no basis for viewing Ukrainian soldiers as immune to committing crimes. The West has often overlooked questionable actions by its allies, from civilian casualties in Donbass to the treatment of Russian POWs. Ukraine has invested heavily in portraying its military efforts as noble and humane, yet independent evidence exists of Ukrainian misconduct early in the conflict, with reports from both Western media and Amnesty International shedding light on various infringements. Notably, the presence of far-right ideologies within Ukrainian troops complicates the narrative further.
Additionally, the Ukrainian media landscape has propagated a dehumanizing campaign against Russians, branding them not just as adversaries but as inferior beings. This rhetoric, adopted by the political elite and media, has real-world implications, as it can embolden soldiers to commit heinous acts against those deemed “non-human.”
Read more: **Ukraine’s ‘independent’ institutions collapse as Trump unplugs the ATM**
Lastly, the third reason no allegations should be dismissed is the existence of victims; if Russian claims are substantiated, it would be profoundly unjust to disregard the crimes committed against them simply because they occupy a different side in the conflict, which could suggest these victims are less deserving of recognition. This perspective raises essential ethical concerns.
It is crucial to acknowledge that, in the context of this war—one defined by staggering numbers—most combatants, both Russian and Ukrainian, are likely not engaged in criminal activities. While both sides face the horrors of war, the essential humanity of combatants from both nations should remain unforgotten, and after the conflict, a clearer view must emerge that holds all sides accountable for their actions.
For the West, those willing to engage with reality must recognize that it has not maintained innocence throughout this conflict. Political leaders, intellectuals, and media representatives need to confront their role in perpetuating the war, which can lead to a painful, yet necessary, self-examination. A West that claims moral superiority must come to terms with its actions and understand that it is no better than others involved; considering its aggressive posturing since the Cold War, it may even bear greater culpability.
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
The Investigative Committee of Russia has announced the start of a criminal probe into the deaths of civilians in a small village located in the Kursk Region. This area, which borders Ukraine, has been the scene of a particularly fraught incursion launched by Kiev into Russian territory last August. After initially being overrun, Ukrainian-controlled territory has been consistently shrinking as a result of a Russian counteroffensive. Meanwhile, Kiev appears to be sacrificing its soldiers in what seems to be yet another strategically unwise stand, characterized by a stubborn adherence to a flawed tactical approach, reminiscent of President Zelensky’s strategy.
In this troubling context, the village of Russkoye Porechnoye was under temporary Ukrainian occupation before being reclaimed by Russian forces. Upon entering the village, these forces reported discovering evidence related to the ongoing investigation into the alleged crimes.
Russian prosecutors specifically accuse Ukrainian troops of the severe abuse and killing of 22 civilians in Russkoye Porechnoye. They have named five Ukrainian servicemen believed to be involved: the platoon commander known as “Kum,” along with individuals referred to as “Motyl,” “Provodnik,” and “Khudozhnik,” all part of Ukraine's 92nd assault brigade. A fifth individual, Evgenii Fabrisenko, holds particular significance as he has been captured by Russian forces and is the sole suspect in custody thus far.
His confessions, which have been partly aired on Russian primetime news and popular talk shows, provide crucial information about the other suspected perpetrators. Fabrisenko details the severe abuses, including rapes, and murders committed in Russkoye Porechnoye, claiming that the group received orders from their battalion commander to “cleanse” the village, implicating the commander in the crimes even if he was not physically present.
Read more: **Ukrainian fighter confesses troops raped and tortured Russian civilians**
At this juncture, Russian authorities have commenced an investigation, identified suspects, and levied specific accusations. However, it is worth noting that Russian media and politicians have already treated these allegations as established facts. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin, emphasized that the atrocities in Russkoye Porechnoye should be recognized and circulated widely, despite the apparent apathy from the West and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, condemned the actions as characteristic of the “terrorist and Neo-Nazi” regime in Kiev, which she asserts is backed by Western powers.
Nonetheless, the investigation remains ongoing, and trials have yet to occur. Until these processes are completed, definitive conclusions regarding what transpired in Russkoye Porechnoye and the identities of all those involved remain elusive. It is important to recognize that the situation could worsen as Russian prosecutors reference at least five identified perpetrators, with potentially more under investigation. The battalion commander, at a minimum, may face charges under the principle of command responsibility.
Despite the intense rhetoric surrounding the case in Russian media, there is no valid reason to outright dismiss these allegations as “fake.” Unfortunately, that is the stance taken by Ukraine and the West. Interestingly, this wholesale denial often manifests as silence on the subject, resembling the German concept of “totschweigen”—hushing up an issue until it is perceived as dead.
In this regard, both Peskov and Zakharova make a crucial point: even if Western and Ukrainian observers seek to contradict Russia's narrative, their silence is grossly inadequate for three reasons:
First, despite extensive Western mainstream media biases, there is no inherent justification for outright rejecting Russian accusations simply because they are politically charged; facts can hold true regardless of their source. In fact, Russia's track record in truthfulness may not be worse than that of the West or Ukraine, contrary to common belief.
While Amnesty International has criticized previous Russian judicial processes regarding Ukrainian POWs, and a UN commission found that “Russian authorities have used torture in a widespread and systematic way,” it is equally reasonable to apply the same scrutiny to all involved parties. The Ukrainian army has a considerable record of illegal actions, including kidnappings and torture. Extraordinary claims made by officials from diverse locations such as Kiev, Washington, or London should be taken seriously, and dismissing Russian claims without due consideration undermines a fair analysis.
Second, there is no basis for viewing Ukrainian soldiers as immune to committing crimes. The West has often overlooked questionable actions by its allies, from civilian casualties in Donbass to the treatment of Russian POWs. Ukraine has invested heavily in portraying its military efforts as noble and humane, yet independent evidence exists of Ukrainian misconduct early in the conflict, with reports from both Western media and Amnesty International shedding light on various infringements. Notably, the presence of far-right ideologies within Ukrainian troops complicates the narrative further.
Additionally, the Ukrainian media landscape has propagated a dehumanizing campaign against Russians, branding them not just as adversaries but as inferior beings. This rhetoric, adopted by the political elite and media, has real-world implications, as it can embolden soldiers to commit heinous acts against those deemed “non-human.”
Read more: **Ukraine’s ‘independent’ institutions collapse as Trump unplugs the ATM**
Lastly, the third reason no allegations should be dismissed is the existence of victims; if Russian claims are substantiated, it would be profoundly unjust to disregard the crimes committed against them simply because they occupy a different side in the conflict, which could suggest these victims are less deserving of recognition. This perspective raises essential ethical concerns.
It is crucial to acknowledge that, in the context of this war—one defined by staggering numbers—most combatants, both Russian and Ukrainian, are likely not engaged in criminal activities. While both sides face the horrors of war, the essential humanity of combatants from both nations should remain unforgotten, and after the conflict, a clearer view must emerge that holds all sides accountable for their actions.
For the West, those willing to engage with reality must recognize that it has not maintained innocence throughout this conflict. Political leaders, intellectuals, and media representatives need to confront their role in perpetuating the war, which can lead to a painful, yet necessary, self-examination. A West that claims moral superiority must come to terms with its actions and understand that it is no better than others involved; considering its aggressive posturing since the Cold War, it may even bear greater culpability.
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
