Over 50 Ukrainian military executed by Russians - Prosecutor General's Office
Yurii Bielousov, Head of the Department for Combating Crimes Committed in Armed Conflict (video screenshot)
The Office of the Prosecutor General has opened 27 criminal cases regarding the killing of Ukrainian prisoners of war, with 54 soldiers confirmed dead, according to Yurii Bielousov, the head of the Department for Combating Crimes Committed in Armed Conflict.
Commenting on the video depicting the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war, which began circulating online on April 7, Bielousov disclosed that the crime took place near Krynky in the Kherson region, although details are still under investigation. He urged people to refrain from prematurely disclosing the identities of the deceased and to remember their loved ones.
"We are also investigating the chain of command responsible for such actions, not only the commanders of units but also the highest military-political leadership. This is not an isolated incident but evidence of Russia's policy," he said.
According to Bielousov, cases of executions have been documented since March 2022. For instance, a court has already issued the first verdict against a Russian terrorist for the execution of a soldier in the Chernihiv region. However, investigations are complicated by the lack of access for prosecutors and investigators to the crime scene or the opportunity to examine the victim's body.
"But this work is underway. Ukraine has a unique experience in documenting crimes, even without access to the territory... We are working with the International Criminal Court, the UN Monitoring Mission, intelligence agencies, and non-governmental organizations that also gather information. Our task now is to document, record, and share the truth with the world. The criminals will be brought to justice, it's only a matter of time," Bielousov added.
Russian crimes against POWs
The Russian army has repeatedly violated the Geneva Conventions by executing Ukrainian prisoners of war. Such incidents have been documented in Avdiivka, near Robotyne, Bakhmut, and in the Olenivka colony.
According to the UN, just this winter, Russian occupiers executed 32 Ukrainian prisoners of war.
