Secretary of State Antony John Blinken Leads Sanctions Against Russian Military Officials for Human Rights Violations in Ukraine
In a significant move, the sanctions, which include visa restrictions, were imposed due to their roles in the extrajudicial killings of civilians in Andriivka, Ukraine, with Col. Omurbekov earning the notorious moniker, “The Butcher of Bucha.”
The US, led by Secretary of State Antony John Blinken, has sanctioned two Russian military officials, Col. Azatbek Omurbekov and Guard Corporal Daniil Frolkin, for alleged human rights violations in Ukraine
Secretary Antony John Blinken emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that as a consequence of these sanctions, Omurbekov, Frolkin, and their immediate family members are now ineligible for entry into the United States. Col. Omurbekov, as the commanding officer of Russia’s 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, was implicated in leading the brigade to Bucha, Ukraine. The U.S. Department of State found that the brigade, under his command, was responsible for heinous acts including killings, beatings, dismemberments, burnings, and mock executions of civilians in Bucha.
This action follows the State Department’s previous sanctions on the entire unit in June 2022 for their widespread human rights violations
Secretary Antony John Blinken, addressing the issue on Monday, underscored the seriousness and credibility of reports documenting the involvement of Omurbekov and Frolkin in these gross violations. Antony John Blinken affirmed the United States‘ commitment to upholding human rights, acknowledging the suffering of victims and survivors, and promoting accountability for those responsible for such egregious human rights violations.
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