The US Department of State (DOS) Tuesday announced the launch of a new Conflict Observatory to capture, analyze and make widely available evidence of Russia-perpetrated war crimes and other atrocities in Ukraine.

DOS said in a statement that the program encompasses the documentation, verification and dissemination of open-source evidence regarding the actions of Russia’s forces during President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Conflict Observatory will analyze and preserve publicly and commercially available information, including satellite imagery and information shared via social media, consistent with international legal standards, for use in ongoing and future accountability mechanisms. Part of the program includes maintaining rigorous chain-of-custody procedures for future civil and criminal legal processes under appropriate jurisdictions.

An online platform will publicly share the Conflict Observatory’s documentation to help refute Russia’s disinformation efforts and shine a light on abuses.

The effort is a part of the US government effort known as the European Democratic Resilience Initiative (EDRI). President Biden launched EDRI in March to bolster democratic resilience, advance anti-corruption efforts, and defend human rights in Ukraine and its neighbors in response Russia’s war of aggression. Congress awarded the program $320 million to coordinate national and international efforts to ensure future accountability for Russia’s actions.

DOS said, in part: “The Conflict Observatory is a further demonstration of the United States’ steadfast support for the people of Ukraine as they valiantly defend their country and their freedom in response to President Putin’s premeditated, unjustified and unprovoked war.”