Russia is accused of war crimes in Ukraine. Will investigations accomplish anything?

Experts say efforts by the International Criminal Court and other bodies to hold Russia accountable for targeting civilians are likely to accomplish little.

With disturbing images circulating of civilians hurt or killed in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, international investigations are underway to determine if Moscow is committing war crimes or genocide.

But experts say the probes are unlikely to accomplish anything in terms of justice or holding Russian President Vladimir Putin and his government accountable for the atrocities.

“It’s a noble effort,” said Aurel Braun, a professor of international relations and political science at the University of British Columbia and an associate of the Davis Center at Harvard University.

“They certainly appear to be important and needed. But I can tell you right away that they will be useless against Russia.”

International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors are currently collecting evidence of alleged war crimes amid calls from 41 countries, including Canada and the United States, to investigate Russia’s actions.

That process could take months, if not years, experts say — and even if charges are recommended, there’s no guarantee those officials will even stand trial, let alone face a conviction.

Yet experts say the process could still be an important step forward for the international community, provided it’s coupled with further action to counter Russia.

“If we’re just using it to say Putin is a bad guy, we know that already,” Braun said. “We know this war is wrong. So is this just a feel-good measure, or will it lead to the West ensuring that every action is taken to stop it?”