Defence Forces report execution of captured Ukrainian fighters on the Hulyaipole axis

Killing of unarmed fighters recorded

Ukrainian military personnel have documented a new episode of war crimes by Russian occupiers on the Hulyaipole axis. This was stated by Maxim Kravchuk, spokesperson for the "South" military grouping, in a comment to the publication "Ukrainska Pravda".

According to him, it has been confirmed that personnel of the 38th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation executed captured Ukrainian fighters.

Details from communications intercepts

Data on the commission of the crime reached Defence Forces units via intercepts of communications between Russian military personnel at the moment the killing took place.

Kravchuk stated that subordinates in the 38th Brigade were given direct orders to eliminate prisoners. In particular, phrases were recorded: «вот єтого которий 300-ий его добить п*дараса» (here is the 300th one, finish him off, you f***ing bastard) and «обнуляйте сразу» (zero them out immediately). The soldiers carried out these instructions without hesitation, killing unarmed individuals. According to the editorial assessment, two people were likely killed.

The spokesperson added that such orders in this brigade are issued at the initiative of its commander, Colonel Valerii Kazak.

Reaction to violations of international law

Ukrainian military emphasise that this case is further evidence for a future tribunal regarding the crimes of Russian forces. The relevant materials have already been handed over to law enforcement agencies.

«Убивство військовополонених - це грубе порушення міжнародного гуманітарного права. Закликаємо міжнародну спільноту відреагувати на нього, вимагати його розслідування та притягнення винних до відповідальності» (The killing of prisoners of war is a gross violation of international humanitarian law. We call on the international community to react to it, demand its investigation, and hold the guilty parties accountable), Maxim Kravchuk emphasised.