Ukraine has initiated an inquiry into the “execution” of its unarmed soldiers by Russian forces, despite the soldiers’ attempt to surrender.
Kyiv accused Russia on Sunday of committing a “war crime” following the release of a brief video on Telegram depicting two men emerging from a shelter, one with his hands up, before being shot by a group of soldiers.
The public prosecutor’s office in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region described the incident as a “gross violation of the Geneva Conventions” and has started an official investigation.
War crimes
Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets condemned the act as a “war crime,” urging the international community to hold Russia’s military leadership “accountable.”
There has been no official reaction from Moscow, but recent reports suggest plans for mutual visits to prisoners of war by both Ukrainian and Russian authorities.
Notably, this is not the first time accusations of Russian forces committing war crimes have surfaced during the conflict.
In March, a similar video sparked widespread condemnation and prompted the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to document numerous violations of international humanitarian law against prisoners of war.
Overnight bombardment
On the other hand, Russia launched multiple drones and a cruise missile at Ukraine on Saturday night, with most of the drones destroyed by Kyiv’s air force, although the details of the cruise missile’s impact remain unclear.
The air force’s report could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate comment from Russia. However, Ukrainian officials confirmed the attack without providing information on casualties or damage.
Ukraine is preparing for renewed and intensified waves of Russian attacks on its infrastructure as winter approaches, following similar instances during the past winter.
