According to US Vice President Kamala Harris, the US has "formally determined" that Russia committed crimes against humanity in Ukraine.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Ms. Harris charged that since its invasion, Russia had engaged in "gruesome acts of murder, torture, rape, and deportation.".
The claims were denied by Moscow's ambassador to the US, who also charged Ms. Harris with attempting to "demean Russia.".
At the conference, world leaders urged continued support for Ukraine.
The time has come to "double down" on military support, according to UK PM Rishi Sunak.
The prime minister argued that Western allies must begin making preparations for Ukraine's future security and send it the necessary weapons right away.
As the anniversary of Russia's complete invasion of Ukraine approaches on February 24, a conference is being held in Germany.
Ms. Harris emphasized to attendees the importance of holding those responsible for alleged Russian crimes in Ukraine accountable.
She declared that "their actions are an assault on our shared humanity and values.".
According to the UN, a "widespread or systemic attack" on a specific civilian population qualifies as a crime against humanity.
Moscow has consistently denied using its invasion to target civilians.
The vice president's claims, according to Anatoly Antonov, Russia's ambassador to the US, are a cynical attempt to "demean Russia in the course of a hybrid war.".
He continued by saying that they were a means of "justifying Washington's own actions to fuel the Ukrainian crisis.
But Ms. Harris, a former prosecutor, was adamant that "there is no doubt: these are crimes against humanity in the case of Russia's actions in Ukraine. We have examined the evidence, we know the legal standards.
She referred to "barbaric and inhumane" acts carried out during the conflict in Ukraine, such as the discovery of numerous corpses in Bucha soon after the invasion and the bombing of a theater in Mariupol.
Let's all agree that justice must be done for all victims, both known and unidentified, Ms. Harris said.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) adjudicates cases involving crimes against humanity.
However, the ICC lacks the authority to detain suspects and can only exercise its jurisdiction in nations that ratified the agreement that established the court.
It is unlikely that Russia will extradite any suspects because it is not a party to that agreement.
While both sides in the conflict prepare for spring offensives, the three-day conference in Munich will serve as a crucial test of Western support for Kyiv.
Dmytro Kuleba, the foreign minister of Ukraine, claimed that Moscow had "waged a genocidal war" against Ukrainians because it did not believe they "deserve to exist as a sovereign nation.".
As a result of Vladimir Putin's invasion, tens of thousands have died and millions have been ejected from their homes.
Leaders from the United States and Europe have primarily attended this conference. They have the opportunity to show their resolve and reiterate their support for Ukraine.
In order to ensure Ukraine's long-term security, Rishi Sunak urged the creation of a new Nato charter. Russia was charged by Kamala Harris with crimes against humanity.
However, there have been dissenting voices in the background.
Consider Namibia's Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, the prime minister. She advocated for a peaceful end to the conflict and opposed sending more weapons to Ukraine. She claimed that her nation had experienced a recession, price increases, and supply chain disruptions.
These views, which are prevalent throughout Africa, Asia, and South America, are focusing the minds of people in the United States and Europe.
Western policymakers have come to the conclusion that, nearly a year after Russia's invasion, they must reframe their case for defending Ukraine.
Russia was discussed during a meeting between Antony Blinken and Wang Yi, the top foreign policy figures for the US and China, on Saturday.
Mr. Blinken warned of consequences if China were to give material support to Russia's invasion during discussions at the conference in Munich.
In an interview scheduled to air on Sunday morning on NBC News, Mr. Blinken is anticipated to assert that China is "at least contemplating providing" lethal assistance to Russia.
