LINICHENKO V. SIGNS OF GENOCIDE IN THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR

Abstract

The article is dedicated to defining and analyzing the concept of genocide in order to establish its characteristics in the context of crimes committed against the Ukrainian civilian population by Russia during the full-scale war in Ukraine. This research refers to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, which provides the definition and a list of genocide indicators, such as mass killing, systematic physical and psychological violence, planned destruction of a group, destruction of cultural heritage aimed at the group's destruction, as well as measures aimed at preventing births and transferring children to another group. The article emphasizes the need to identify genocide indicators in crimes against the Ukrainian people and the use of international law to confirm these facts. The research of previous cases of genocide and their analysis is planned to establish analogies with the Ukrainian situation and confirm that Russia's acts of war in Ukraine have intentional character. The recognition of genocide in Ukraine as a theoretical problem is only beginning to be considered by Ukrainian and foreign scientists. Therefore, this study is an attempt to establish the obvious characteristic features of genocide in Ukraine, based on the analysis of foreign cases. The evolution of genocide theories changed from purely legalistic, legal approaches to a more comprehensive understanding of genocide, including ideological, political, and social components. Establishing the facts of genocide is a complex task that requires thorough research and analysis. The first step involves studying previous cases of genocide, such as the Armenian Genocide, the Rwandan Genocide, and the Guatemalan Genocide. This will help establish analogies with the Ukrainian situation and identify common features. Researching international law, particularly the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, will be an important stage. This document provides a clear definition of genocide and a list of indicators that can be used to analyze the situation in Ukraine. It is crucial to maintain international pressure and provide evidence of genocide crimes in Ukraine to attract the attention of the global community and acknowledge these crimes. Preventing similar crimes in the future and protecting the victims should also be key priorities