Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner For Human Rights, has warned that Russian and Belarusian dissidents living in exile in Ukraine, journalists and anti-corruption activists, as well as religious and ethnic minorities, could be targeted in her letter. Although the U.N. warns that the U.S. has not provided details on the information, it does claim that “human rights violations are occurring and abuses will follow a further invasion.”
“We are deeply worried about Russia’s continued human rights violations in the parts of Ukraine that it currently occupies, and have every reason believe those concerns will grow following a new military operation,” stated Ambassador Bathsheba Nall Crocker, the U.S. representative at the U.N.
The letter stated that these acts, which have been part of Russian operations in the past, include targeted killings, kidnappings/forced disappearedances, unjust imprisonments and the use torture, would likely target people who oppose Russian actions.
Crocker stated that the U.S. has information suggesting that Russian forces may use lethal measures “to disperse peaceful protests, or counter peaceful exercises of resistance from civilian populations.”
The U.N. Office for the Human Rights High Commissioner said Monday that it received the letter and is currently reviewing it.
The office stated that “Over the last few days, the condition on the ground had begun to deteriorate with increasing human rights risk,” “There has been an increase in firefights across the contact line since 17 February, with heavy weapons being used. We appeal to all parties to immediately respect the ceasefire. All governments must contribute to de-escalation by engaging in diplomacy, good faith dialogue and diplomatic efforts.
When asked Sunday about the Russian list of Ukrainians she could target and whether she was concerned for her safety and security, Oksana Markarova , the Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S., stated that “we all are concerned” about Ukraine and that there are many Ukrainians who are willing to fight and resist.
She stated that “whatever crimes they are willing to commit to kill some of ours, it won’t stop them and it won’t help their cause.”
Russia has gathered around 150,000 troops in Ukraine, raising concerns from the U.S. government and its allies that an invasion could be imminent. On Friday, President Biden told reporters that he was “convinced” by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade. An attack is expected within the “coming days.”
According to a U.S. official, intelligence indicated that Russian commanders had been given orders to invade Ukraine and were planning how they would maneuver within their respective battlefield sectors. According to the official, these orders don’t necessarily mean that Ukraine will be invaded. Putin can still change his mind.
The Biden administration continues to press Moscow to take a diplomatic approach to preventing a conflict with Ukraine despite the increased tensions and warnings of a Russian attack.
If Russia does not launch an invasion, Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Thursday in Europe. The White House stated Sunday that Mr. Biden had also accepted “in principle”to meet Putin if there has not been an invasion.
The Kremlin stated Monday that it is too early to discuss concrete plans for a summit of the two leaders. However, it said that a meeting was possible if the heads state agree.