The U.S. has told the United Nations of credible information about the possibility of serious human rights violations should Russia invade Ukraine.

U.S. ambassador to the UN, Bathsheba Crocker, wrote to Michelle Bachelet, the UN high commissioner for human rights, outlining details of “disturbing information”.

Nonetheless, the U.S. did not disclose its sources for the information.

“We are deeply concerned about Russia’s continuing human rights abuses in the parts of Ukraine it already occupies and has every reason to believe those concerns will multiply following a new military offensive,” Mrs Crocker said in the letter.

The letter alleged that Russia is planning targeted killings, kidnappings, unjust detention and the use of torture targeting those who oppose Russian actions, including Russian and Belarusian dissidents in exile in Ukraine.

“Specifically we have credible information that indicates Russian forces are creating lists of identified Ukrainians to be killed or sent to camps following a military occupation,” she said.

The U.S. also warned it believes Russian forces will use lethal measures to disperse peaceful protests or otherwise counter peaceful exercises of perceived resistance from civilians.

Russia has repeatedly denied plans to invade Ukrainian territory, despite the massing of around 150,000 troops along the country’s borders, according to Western intelligence. 

(dpa/NAN)