On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine and thereby caused one of the largest humanitarian crises in Europe since World War II. This resulted in thousands of deaths among the peaceful Ukrainian population, as well as the terrible destruction of residential areas and civilian infrastructure.
In the first 12 days of the war in Ukraine alone, the russian army destroyed 202 schools, 34 hospitals, and 1,500 residential buildings. More than 900 settlements were completely deprived of light, water, and heating. Several neighborhoods and towns have been razed to the ground or heavily bombed. On 9 March, the russian army shelled a maternity hospital in Mariupol, killing 3 people, including one child. According to the Ukrainian Ombudsman, 61 children have died and 100 have been injured since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine. At least 1 child died of dehydration in blockade Mariupol.
Russia’s war against Ukraine is conducted in violation of all laws and customs of war. The recent use of anti-personnel mines against the civilian population of Chernihiv oblast, which resulted in the death of 6 people, is one of the numerous examples of cynical tactics used by russian troops on the territory of Ukraine. Anti-personnel mines, as well as unguided free-fall bombs used by the russian air force, are prohibited for use and are considered a crime against humanity and a violation of the 1949 Geneva Conventions.
Despite these outrageous violations, the media and statements of officials representing international organizations, business, and governments often call the situation in Ukraine a “crisis,” a “conflict,” or a “military operation.” It is necessary, now more than ever, to emphasize that this is not a “crisis” or a “conflict,” or a “military operation,” but a full-scale war that russia has started against Ukraine.
Informing people about what is happening in Ukraine and using correct and clear terminology is necessary to create an accurate picture of the current situation in Ukraine and counter russian propaganda.
Transparency International Ukraine calls on its partners, colleagues, and friends, as well as the entire international community, to take an active position and condemn the use of the words “conflict,” “crisis,” or “military operation” to describe the war in Ukraine. Let’s call a spade a spade — including the war.
