Brutal accusations

Kiev: Russia executed seven prisoners of war

Ukrainian human rights activists are sounding the alarm.

(Bild: AP)

According to official statements from Kiev, Russian troops are said to have shot seven Ukrainian prisoners of war. Just a few days ago, Ukraine accused Russia of executing six wounded soldiers - but this is difficult to verify.

The execution took place on Saturday near the Russian-captured town of Bachmut in the east of the country, Ukrainian human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinez reported on Telegram on Sunday evening. He referred to a video recording showing Ukrainian soldiers "with their hands raised" as they surrendered.

"Merciless" execution
"The Russians were supposed to take them prisoner, but instead shot them mercilessly." The information from Kiev could not initially be independently verified. "Such an execution is a war crime," Lubinez continued. This case must be registered as a further violation of international humanitarian law by Russia, he demanded.

Lubinez wanted to officially appeal to the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross immediately. He accused the Russian armed forces of "not caring" about the Geneva Conventions or the customs and rules of war.

Not an isolated case?
Just a few days ago, Russian soldiers were accused of executing at least six wounded Ukrainian soldiers who could not be evacuated in time during the capture of Avdiivka. In this case too, Kiev referred to video footage from a drone. This allegation could not be independently verified either.