Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: When will the United States Take Action?

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This article contains sensitive subject matter, discretion is advised 

Slaughtering innocent civilians, raping and torturing women and children, bombing densely populated areas – these are just a few of the war crimes that Russia has committed against Ukraine.

On Feb. 24, 2022, the Russian military invaded Ukraine in an act of escalation of the Russo-Ukranian war, which began in 2014. Since the invasion began last year, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, “At least 34,000 possible war crimes have been carried out by Russian forces since February,” as reported by the BBC. This is a drastic claim by Zelensky, but it is a claim supported by many. 

To understand the severity of these claims it is important to know what a war crime is. According to Britannica, a war crime is a serious violation of the laws or customs of war as defined by international customary law and international treaties. 

Ukraine has taken some measures to punish Russian soldiers for their wrongdoings. However, these measures have been pretty minimal. According to the BBC, one Russian soldier has been prosecuted in Ukrainian courts; Vadim Shishimarin, a Russian tank commander is the individual. Also, 135 other suspects have been charged by Ukraine’s prosecutor general. 

Other countries have taken notice of the ethical issues of Russia’s war strategies. Most notably, the United States. Many countries in support of Ukraine turn to the United States for their opinion, as their economic and military power match if not surpass Russia. 

On Feb.19, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke in Germany about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. She announced that “The US government has determined that Russia has committed crimes against humanity during its war in Ukraine.” This is a bold accusation for the U.S. to make.

The passion the country holds is apparent within this statement, but what actions have been taken? While it is encouraging to hear this statement from the U.S., it begs the question: what are they going to do about it?

The U.S. has made it clear that they are going to “strongly support Ukraine for as long as it takes,” according to Vice President Harris. 

Support for Ukraine has been a top priority of the U.S. government. Recently, President Joe Biden sent 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. These tanks are “the most capable in the world,” Biden said. 

These tanks are one kind of support that the Biden administration has provided to Ukraine. They have also provided financial support for Ukraine, totaling $24.9 billion since the unprovoked invasion by Russia. The support from the U.S. is important to note, however, the question remains: will anything be done about Russia? Yes, the United States has given plenty of support to Ukraine, but it seems as though Russia is getting off scot-free. 

Some action has been taken against Russia by the U.S. in cooperation with 30 other states, such as cracking down on Russian financial officials, targeting Russian oligarchs like God Nisanov and restricting the Russian military’s ability to obtain technologies and other items it needs to sustain its aggression and power. 

While this certainly is a start, the severity of Russia’s war crimes has not been met by the punishments imposed on them. It is time for the U.S. to show that they hold Russia accountable for the horrific war crimes it committed. If a powerful nation begins to hold Russia accountable, it could very well slow down their aggression entirely.

Supporting Ukraine and small restrictions on Russia will only go so far. Obviously, Russia is not slowing down despite these restrictions and the United State’s support for Ukraine. It is time for the U.S. to become more involved by unleashing their top-ranked military, punishing Russian officials more severely and doing something that strikes fear in the Russian army to stop their surge forward.

That is what accountability looks like. This unlawful invasion and the war crimes included have gone on long enough, and Russia cannot get away with these violations any longer. It is time for the United States to turn support into action.