Radio Free Europe

RFE/RL journalists report the news in 22 countries where a free press is banned by the government or not fully established, including Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Russia.

More news

Ukrainian Lawmakers Outline Resolution Recognizing Putin As A 'War Criminal'.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives to watch the Victory Day military parade in Red Square in central Moscow on May 9.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives to watch the Victory Day military parade in Red Square in central Moscow on May 9.

Ukrainian lawmakers have outlined a resolution that would designate Russian President Vladimir Putin as a war criminal over for his "aggressive" moves against the country, including launching an unprovoked invasion in February.

The draft resolution was prepared by parliamentary groups and committees and registered at the Verkhovna Rada (Supreme Council) on May 19.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine

RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians . For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here .

The authors of the resolution linked Putin directly to "the aggressive war against Ukraine," including the ongoing invasion that he started on February 24, and the annexation of Crimea and the occupation of parts of Ukraine’s eastern regions in Luhansk and Donetsk in 2014.

The draft resolution, which now awaits the setting of a date for debate in parliament, says Putin is directly responsible for the aggression "in which millions of Ukrainians suffered damage to their health, in many cases death, lost movable and immovable property, and were forced to abandon their homes."

The resolution also mentions Putin’s open statements and activities "aimed at liquidating Ukraine's national culture, identity, and statehood."

"The goal of the resolution is to publicly confirm the crimes committed by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, against mankind’s security and international law, and call on international institutions to investigate mentioned illegal acts and bringing Putin to account," the document says.

Before launching the invasion, which he calls a "special military operation," Putin explicitly denied that Ukraine had ever had “real statehood” and said the country was an integral part of Russia’s “own history, culture, [and] spiritual space.”

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) says almost 3,800 civilians have been killed in the 12 weeks since Russia invaded Ukraine. The government in Kyiv has said that about 3,000 of the country's soldiers have died in the fighting, though the United States estimates the number to be at least double that.

Ukraine has accused Russia of committing atrocities during its unprovoked invasion and said it has identified more than 10,000 possible war crimes. Russia denies targeting civilians and claims that evidence of atrocities presented by Ukraine was staged.

Earlier on May 19, prosecutors in Kyiv asked a court for a life sentence for the first Russian soldier to stand trial on accusations of committing a war crime in Ukraine.

Sergeant Vadim Shishimarin, who went on trial on May 18, has already pleaded guilty in the shooting death of a 62-year-old Ukrainian civilian, Oleksandr Shelypov, who was shot while riding his bicycle in the village of Chupakhivka in the northeastern region of Sumy.

Boeing whistleblower’s shocking testimony

Boeing whistleblower’s shocking testimony

ABC News’ Phil Lipof spoke with ABC transportation reporter Sam Sweeney about the testimony to a Senate committee by Boeing whistleblower, Sam Salehpour, regarding the safety of Boeing’s airplanes. ––– Subscribe to ABC News on YouTube: Watch 24/7 ...

ABC News -

Hear why Toobin thinks Trump’s recent social media post is an ‘attempt to intimidate jurors’.

Hear why Toobin thinks Trump’s recent social media post is an ‘attempt to intimidate jurors’.

Former federal prosecutor Jeffrey Toobin and a panel join CNN’s Anderson Cooper and weigh in on Trump’s hush money trial. #CNN #News

CNN -

Biden aims to triple tariffs on Chinese metals, top Cuban diplomat exclusive, more - America Decides.

Biden aims to triple tariffs on Chinese metals, top Cuban diplomat exclusive, more - America Decides.

Senate rejects Mayorkas articles of impeachment; Biden pitches economic strategy to steelworkers CBS News Streaming Network is the premier 24/7 anchored streaming news service from CBS News and Stations, available free to everyone with access to t...

CBS News -

New report details communications issues in Maui wildfire response.

New report details communications issues in Maui wildfire response.

A new 400-page report reveals key details in the response to the deadly wildfires that caused massive destruction in Maui. As NBC's Steve Patterson explains, breakdowns in communication between Maui's mayor and top state and local officials made i...

NBC News -

Pelosi slams 'Putin caucus' within House GOP

Pelosi slams 'Putin caucus' within House GOP

CNN's Abby Phillip speaks with Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), the House Speaker emerita, about Ukraine aid. #CNN #News

CNN -

Climate change may drive millions of species to extinction.

Climate change may drive millions of species to extinction.

At least a million species may disappear from Earth in coming decades due to a warming climate, but scientists are using a range of tools to protect plants and animals. CBS News environmental correspondent David Schechter reports. CBS News Streami...

CBS News 1