Russian troops that have besieged the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol have waged a kind of war that should be considered crimes against humanity. They bombed a maternity hospital. They have shelled schools and hospitals where civilians have gathered to seek shelter, including a theater where 1,300 people are believed to be inside the destroyed building.

Refugees fleeing the city have run a gantlet, dodging Russian artillery and guns to escape. The city behind them is being destroyed.

The siege will “be remembered for centuries to come,” because of the terror tactics of the Russians, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday.

In spite of their tactics, Ukrainians are standing firm against the Russians. Russia demanded Sunday that Mariupol lay down its arms and surrender. The demand was rejected. No doubt more barbarism will ensue.

The world will note the actions of Vladimir Putin’s troops. There will come a time when the hostilities are over. Ukrainian resolve indicates the ending will not be exactly what Putin is hoping for. When that happens, the International Court of Justice in The Hague should be prepared to indict and prosecute Putin for the actions being taken now.