US legislators have called on the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (PA) to adopt a resolution of the Ukrainian parliament recognizing the actions of russian forces on the territory of Ukraine as genocide.
This appeal was addressed to the chairman of the OSCE PA Margareta Söderfelt by American legislators, members of the US Helsinki Commission, and US delegates to the OSCE PA, Voice of America reports.
"I understand the weight of these words, but it is clear that the Putin regime is committing genocide against the Ukrainian people," said Steve Cohen, co-chair of the US Helsinki Commission and co-author of the letter.
In addition to Cohen, the letter was signed by Senators Ben Cardin, Chairman of the US Helsinki Commission, Roger Wicker, Vice President of the OSCE PA, and Congressman Richard Hudson, who also chairs the OSCE PA Political and Security Committee, and Joe Wilson.
I recognize the weight of these words, but it's clear that Putin's regime is engaging in acts of genocide against Ukraine. As Co-Chair of @HelsinkiComm, I'm joined by @SenatorCardin @RepRichHudson @SenatorWicker @RepJoeWilson in urging @oscepa to formally recognize this genocide. pic.twitter.com/xbQeqRrZnW
— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) April 25, 2022
"It is clear to us that russian dictator Vladimir Putin and his military regime are carrying out acts of genocide against Ukraine and its people, and we call on the OSCE PA to support the Council's declaration and issue a statement," the letter said.
The authors emphasize the importance of precision in employing such terminology.
"However, given the extensive evidence, ranging from numerous comments by Putin and his regime denying the existence of the Ukrainian nation and deliberate attacks on civilians to the massive destruction of Mariupol, mass graves now marking Ukrainian lands, reports of deliberate deportations of Ukrainians, including children, to russia, where they are indoctrinated in ‘re-education camps’ to destroy the Ukrainian identity - we can not remain silent," they said in a letter.
US legislators have called on the OSCE PA to state its position clearly.
"Russia’s horrific war of choice and this unfolding genocide must be described just as it is," the letter reads.
On 14 April, the Verkhovna Rada at a regular meeting recognized russia's war as genocide against Ukraine. The members of parliament voted in favor of the Resolution on the Statement of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine "On the Genocide [comitted] by the russian federation in Ukraine".