The U.S. has reportedly received "credible information" that indicated a list of specific Ukrainians is being compiled by Russia to have "killed or sent to camps following a military occupation," reports say.
A top diplomat shared the information in a letter to the United Nations which was obtained by CBS News on Monday.
The letter was sent to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet and warned of those who could be targeted.
The list includes Russian and Belarusian dissidents in exile in Ukraine, anti-corruption activists, religious and ethnic minorities, and journalists, CBS News reported.
The letter to the U.N. did not specify where the U.S. obtained the information, but it does claim that "human rights violations and abuses in the aftermath of a further invasion are being planned."
The Washington Post had reported on the letter written by the U.S. representative to the U.N. Ambassador Bathsheba Nell Crocker, which said that Russia is abusing human rights.
"We are deeply concerned about Russia's continuing human rights abuses in the parts of Ukraine it already occupies and have every reason to believe those concerns will multiply following a new military offensive," Crocker wrote.
The letter then pointed to "past Russian operations" that "have included targeted killings, kidnappings/forced disappearances, unjust detentions, and the use of torture, would likely target those who oppose Russian actions."
Crocker also wrote that Russian forces "will likely use lethal measures to disperse peaceful protests or otherwise counter peaceful exercises of perceived resistance from civilian populations."
The letter has been received and is being reviewed by the U.N. Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights, CBS News reported.
"Over the past few days, the situation on the ground has begun to deteriorate, with increasing human rights risks," the office said. "There has been a significant increase in exchanges of fire across the contact line from 17 February, including the use of heavy weapons. We call on all parties to immediately and fully respect the ceasefire. It is critical that all governments contribute to the de-escalation of tensions by engaging in diplomacy and good faith dialogue."
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