Over 130,000 Criminal Cases Related to Russian Aggression Under Investigation by Ukraine's SBU

Investigating War Crimes Against Civilians in Ukraine

According to Главком: Speaking at the international conference 'United for Justice: Accountability for Crimes Against Civilians,' acting SBU chief Yevhenii Khmara revealed the extensive scope of investigations underway in Ukraine regarding Russian aggression. According to him, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is currently handling more than 130,000 criminal proceedings linked to Russia's armed invasion. This figure underscores the systematic efforts by law enforcement to identify and prosecute those responsible for war crimes.

Khmara's remarks highlighted that over 80% of all crimes committed by Russian forces on Ukrainian territory since the start of the full-scale invasion are being examined within these cases. Among the documented offenses:

• 596 strikes on oil and gas infrastructure, which Khmara noted demonstrate the deliberate targeting of critical facilities.

“Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the enemy has carried out 596 such strikes on oil and gas infrastructure alone.” – Yevhenii Khmara

Khmara also stressed the importance of identifying those guilty of these crimes. “SBU investigators are working systematically to establish culpability. Behind every strike are specific names and surnames. Therefore, our task is not only to document the consequences of attacks on critical infrastructure and prove their systemic nature but also to identify the perpetrators, commanders, and organizers.” This statement reinforces Ukraine's commitment not just to defending its territory, but also to ensuring accountability for war crimes.

Additionally, Khmara pointed to the severe repercussions of attacks on civilian infrastructure. “Damage to a single infrastructure node can disrupt the functioning of all connected systems. This is precisely the enemy's logic: critical infrastructure is used as a lever to pressure societal resilience.” However, he noted that these strikes have neither paralyzed the Ukrainian military nor halted frontline logistics. “Their obvious consequence is different-creating humanitarian pressure on the civilian population,” he concluded.

As a result, the SBU's work in investigating crimes committed during the armed aggression remains active and focused, serving as a crucial element in countering external aggression.

This information highlights the gravity of the situation in Ukraine and the need for international support in investigating war crimes. Concentrating on accountability for crimes against civilians could help intensify pressure on the aggressor and uphold justice. At the same time, such investigations may represent an important step toward restoring public trust in state institutions and ensuring the rule of law in Ukraine.

In addition to the extensive investigations into war crimes, the SBU is also addressing internal challenges, as highlighted by recent reports on the agency's efforts to purge its ranks of corrupt officials and foreign agents. This internal focus is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the ongoing investigations into Russian aggression. For more details on the SBU's internal measures and the implications for accountability, see the recent report on the agency's internal reforms.