US Accused of Deleting Russia Kidnap Evidence

An international effort to rescue Ukrainian children allegedly abducted by Russia faces a setback as the US State Department is accused of deleting critical evidence. This evidence was being compiled by researchers at Yale University.

The Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, which was creating a database of alleged Russian war crimes, including the abduction of an estimated 35,000 children, reportedly had its funding cut by the Trump administration. This has led to accusations that the US State Department deleted vital evidence.

Yale’s Research: Using satellite imagery and surveillance, Yale researchers monitored 116 sites in Russia. The now-deleted evidence was intended to assist in rescue efforts and the prosecution of those responsible for the abductions, potentially including Vladimir Putin.

A Yale source told The Independent, “It is unclear whether it was by accident or intent, but it may reveal or it may cause potential criminal liability for the Trump administration, given international prohibitions against the destruction of war crimes evidence.”

ICC Investigation Hampered: The deletion impacts the prosecution of Putin, who has been indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes related to the abduction of children. Sharing of data with EUROPOL has also been halted.

The Yale source emphasized the impact on rescue operations: “The worst part of this is not that it screws up prosecution, that’s bad. The worst part is that it screws up our active efforts to try to get the kids back across the front line, physically.”

SaveUkraine’s Role: The team works closely with SaveUkraine, a charity that has repatriated 610 Ukrainian children so far – and the Ukrainian government.

Political Context: Trump has consistently expressed pro-Russian views on Ukraine and criticized President Zelensky.

Zelensky’s Priority: President Zelensky has prioritized the return of Ukrainian children in negotiations with Russia and the US.

Yale Project’s Contribution: The Yale project contributed to six ICC indictments against Russians. Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova face arrest warrants for “unlawful deportation” and “unlawful transfer” of children.

Russian Actions in Occupied Territories: Russia has annexed Ukrainian provinces, issued Russian passports, and forcibly conscripted Ukrainian men. The eradication of the Ukrainian language from schools and the forced transfer of children are also alleged war crimes.

“Caesar” Database: Details of alleged war crimes were held on a secure database code named “Caesar”.

Potential Legal Ramifications: The destruction of war crimes evidence violates the 1996 Jones War Crimes Act.

The US State Department has been contacted for comment.

Keywords: Ukraine, Russia, war crimes, child abduction, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, Yale University, International Criminal Court, ICC, SaveUkraine, Zelensky, US State Department, Caesar database.