Missile Terror in Ukraine: Paths to Prevention and Accountability for Russian War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity
February 13, 2025
12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
WCC; 2036 Milstein East B

This panel brings together practitioners and experts involved in all levels of war crime investigation and prosecution, from evidence collection and legal analysis, to public reporting, litigation, and stakeholder advocacy. Panelists will discuss legal tools to prevent and prosecute Russian attacks against Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure, as well as the limitations of these options and potential alternatives.
With Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearing its third anniversary, evidence of Russian war crimes and crimes against humanity mounts. Governments, international organizations, and civil society are re-evaluating their approaches to counter Russian aggression. The U.S. and other allies are providing Ukraine with weapons and financial support to defend its territory while, at the same time, imposing unprecedented sanctions and export controls to undermine Russia’s ability to wage the war. Despite these efforts, Russian forces continue to launch relentless aerial attacks against Ukraine, using high-precision missiles and drones reliant on Western-manufactured components. These smart weapons have killed thousands of Ukrainian civilians and caused widespread destruction of Ukrainian energy and civilian infrastructure. Last summer, the International Criminal Court issued four arrest warrants against Russian military commanders and government officials allegedly responsible for these attacks, but the attacks continue. Panelists will examine these developments and consider avenues for accountability and prevention.
Moderator: Anastaysia Donets, LLM ’24, Team Lead of the Ukraine Legal Team, International Partnership for Human Rights
Panelists:
Susan Farbstein, Clinical Professor of Law & Director, International Human Rights Clinic
Ioannis Kalpouzos, Visiting Professor of Law & Co-Founder, Global Legal Action Network
Celeste Kmiotek, JD ’20, Staff Lawyer, Strategic Litigation Project, Atlantic Council
Nazar Solomakha, Legal Officer, International Partnership for Human Rights