The United States has for the first time officially called the Russian atrocities in embattled Ukraine a war crime.

Amid credible reports of Russian bombing of populated areas and civilian casualties in Ukraine, the US officials, who at first avoided branding Putin and his forces as war criminals due to a complex legal procedure behind the ruling, are no longer silent.

“Today, I can announce that, based on information currently available, the U.S. government assesses that members of Russia’s forces have committed war crimes in Ukraine,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

He added: “Our assessment is based on a careful review of available information from public and intelligence sources.

“As with any alleged crime, a court of law with jurisdiction over the crime is ultimately responsible for determining criminal guilt in specific cases.”

According to Blinken, there is overwhelming evidence, including “numerous credible reports of indiscriminate attacks and attacks deliberately targeting civilians,” that suggests Russian troops are committing war crimes in Ukraine.

“Russia’s forces have destroyed apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, critical infrastructure, civilian vehicles, shopping centers, and ambulances, leaving thousands of innocent civilians killed or wounded,” the secretary of state argued.

The official accusations come just days after President Biden called Putin a war criminal. “I think he is a war criminal,” the 46th US President said.

Later on, Biden was backed by Blinken who at the time revealed that he, too, believes Russia is committing war crimes.

“Yesterday, President Biden said that in his opinion, war crimes have been committed in Ukraine. Personally, I agree. Intentionally targeting civilians is a war crime,” Blinken said.

“After all the destruction of the past three weeks, I find it difficult to conclude that the Russians are doing otherwise.”

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