Satellite imagery is a crucial piece of evidence in Ukrainian war crime investigations. Companies like Planet Labs provide images that help prosecutors establish the timelines of attacks.
Euronews reports that satellite imagery is becoming more important in investigating possible Russian war crimes in Ukraine. Eurojust, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, says investigators rely heavily on satellite imagery as it provides “key information” that strengthens investigations into international crimes. The agency currently has over 3,000 files relating to potential war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.
Will Goodhind is an investigator and analyst of satellite imagery with Contested Ground. He told Euronews Next satellite images are especially valuable for establishing attack times.
He explained that “the images help investigators assess weapons and determine whether the attacks were targeted or indiscriminate.”
Planet Labs is one of the leading providers of satellite imagery. They operate 15 high-resolution satellites and 200 medium-resolution ones. According to Will Marshall, the images were used to investigate mass graves as well as document the Russian invasion in its initial stages.
Matthew Gillett, an international lawyer, has highlighted several challenges with using satellite evidence. There are restrictions by the International Criminal Court or NATO on image usage, misinterpretation risk, and visibility issues because of cloud or smoke coverage.
Eurojust reported that 481 absentia cases had been conducted as of 27 October.
In 2023 the ICC issued warrants of arrest for Russian President Vladimir Putin, and for Maria Lvova Belova, the children‘s rights commissioner. Four more warrants were issued in 2024 for Russian nationals.
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