Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a series of allegations of war crimes against Ukrainian civilians have been lodged against Russian forces. These allegations claim that Russia has carried out deliberate and indiscriminate attacks in densely populated civilian areas.

Claims have been made that the use of cluster munitions – a weapon prohibited by 100 states because of the immediate and long-term danger they pose - have unnecessarily exposed civilians to immeasurable harm through the use of heavy artillery shells, launch rockets, bombs and missiles. The mounting body of evidence also includes the rape, torture and summary executions of Ukrainian civilians, as well as forced deportations, including of children, at the hands of the Russian forces.

This CLE course will examine the legal basis for the “War Crimes” sanctions being imposed by a number of countries including the US, Canada and the EU, as well as the context for the war being waged. The course will be presented by Lt. Col. (Ret) Gian Barrechia, who will draw on his extensive military background to explain the context and consequences of war crimes charges.