On February 20th, 2023, to the world's pleasant surprise, United States President Joseph Biden made a spontaneous visit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. This is just a couple of days after the United States Vice President Kamala Harris made a stern and compelling speech at the Munich Security Conference. Both events are clear signs that the United States is upholding the shared values of preserving democracy and liberty in the free world. As stated by Joe Biden before, 'The United States will support Ukraine for as long as it takes. We will not waver.'
Nearly one year since the initial invasion, Kyiv still holds strong, and the Ukrainian people have shown their heroism and devotion to preserving the sovereign right to govern Ukraine the way the people see fit; free of influence by a violent outside force. Unfortunately, during this fight for freedom, the Ukrainian people have experienced many crimes against humanity.
As said by Kamala Harris during the Munich Security Conference, '... from the starting days of this unprovoked war, we have witnessed Russian forces engage in horrendous atrocities and war crimes. Their actions are an assault on our common values, an attack on our common humanity.'
She then goes on to say, 'The United States has formally determined that Russia has committed crimes against humanity. And I say to all those who have perpetrated these crimes and to their superiors who are complicit in these crimes: You will be held to account.'
Ukrainian rights to life and liberty are being broken on a daily basis, both of which should and will be protected as described by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Acting alongside the message presented by Vice President Kamala Harris, we here at West Support have been dedicated to exposing these war crimes and bringing to light horrors the Russian Federation's military has committed against the Ukrainian people. Upon the discovery and proper documentation of said crimes, they are being presented before the International Criminal Court. The speech given by Vice President Kamala Harris is proof that the sorrows and cries from victims are being heard in this sometimes seemingly deaf world.
It is worth noting the United States has such a bright and unambiguous position! All the while, other countries try to ignore these crimes.
For as long as this unprovoked war continues in Ukraine, our team here at West Support will remain dedicated to protecting human rights as well as uncovering the crimes committed by Russia. All crimes will one day be brought to light, and all those responsible will be held accountable. All of us here at International human rights agency WEST SUPPORT call on the whole world to take the precedent set by the United States and declare their position on war crimes.
Joshua Lopez
