The U.S. and its allies are reportedly holding the Russian and Belarusian governments accountable for human rights abuses.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said March 15 that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused "extensive and needless suffering,” according to a U.S. Department of State release. Blinken said Russia’s attacks have resulted in thousands of civilian casualties, including children.
"The United States, with support from allies and partners, is taking action to promote accountability for the Russian and Belarusian governments’ human rights abuses and violations within and outside their borders,” Blinken said. "In doing so, we reiterate our condemnation of President (Vladimir) Putin’s premeditated, unjustified and unprovoked war against Ukraine, as well as the Lukashenka regime’s support and facilitation of the Russian Federation’s invasion.”
Blinken also said Russia is turning against its own civilians, by not allowing freedom of expression, freedom of the press or freedom of association and peaceful protest, according to the release. Those who protest or report on Russia’s true actions face criminal charges.
Blinken announced additional sanctions to promote accountability could be forthcoming, the release stated.
Eleven senior Russian defense officials, current and former Russian immigration officials and 25 individuals in Belarus who attempted to undermine democracy were among those who were designated as violating human rights or had visa restrictions placed on them, the State Department reported.
