U.S. Charges 4 Russian Soldiers with War Crimes in Ukraine Conflict

The United States has filed war crimes charges against four Russian soldiers accused of torturing an American citizen during the Ukraine war, marking the first time the U.S. has brought an indictment based on a war crimes statute passed nearly 30 years ago. The charges include torture, mistreatment, and unlawful confinement, with the alleged torment occurring over a 10-day period in April 2022. The accused soldiers remain at large, and the chances of them being captured or turned over to U.S. authorities are low. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the Justice Department will continue working to bring those responsible to justice and expects to launch additional war crimes prosecutions.