US Charges 4 Russian Soldiers with War Crimes for Torturing American in Ukraine

The US Justice Department has filed war crime charges against four Russian soldiers, accusing them of torturing an American citizen living in Ukraine. The victim was allegedly beaten, tortured, and subjected to a mock execution during his 10-day captivity. This is the first time charges have been brought under a 1996 federal law allowing the US to prosecute war crimes against Americans abroad. The defendants, who are not in custody, include commanding officers and soldiers associated with the Russian army or the Donetsk People's Republic. Russia has denied committing war crimes in Ukraine.