ENThis chapter discusses genocidal intent as the mens rea for the crime of genocide in light of the UNGC and recent ECHR case law regarding Soviet crimes in Lithuania, analysing relevant recent Russian sources for potential proof of genocidal intent in Ukraine since February 2022. The focus of this chapter is on one element of genocidal intent – the perpetrator state’s plan to destroy a national group, in whole or in part, as established in genocidal declarations or speech. The issue of individual criminal responsibility for genocide is not covered in this chapter. [p. 141].