Russian commander ordered to mutilate bodies of dead Ukrainian soldiers
Photo: A Russian commander ordered the brutal mutilation of the bodies of Ukrainian soldiers (Getty Images)
Russian forces committed another war crime in the Huliaipole direction, where a commander ordered the mutilation of fallen Ukrainian soldiers, according to Ukraine’s General Staff and Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets.
Details of the war crime
The incident took place on May 12, 2026, when fighters from the 225th Separate Assault Regiment were ambushed by an infiltrated enemy group. Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed in the battle.
According to intelligence data, the commander of the Russian unit ordered the mutilation of the bodies of the fallen soldiers.
Intercepted communications show he ordered their heads to be cut off and placed in a visible location.
"Cut off two heads for confirmation and place them in a visible spot near the field," the Russian commander said in the intercepted order cited by the General Staff.
A subordinate Russian officer expressed readiness to carry out the order.
Consequences and investigation
Ukraine’s military command stressed that such actions constitute a gross violation of the laws and customs of war. Officials said Russian forces had once again demonstrated "their sadistic nature" through deliberate war crimes.
"Such actions by Russian occupiers are not isolated incidents. But behind every crime are specific names and individuals," the General Staff said.
The military unit involved in the atrocities has already been identified. According to the military, the commander who gave the order had previously been linked to similar abuse of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces stressed that those responsible would eventually be punished, noting that war crimes have no statute of limitations.
Reaction from authorities and appeal to the ICRC
Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets said the war crime requires an immediate investigation.
He stated that he had already contacted international organizations regarding what he described as another act of terror.
"I have already sent official letters to the ICRC and the UN. Such crimes must be properly documented, and those responsible must face the harshest punishment," Lubinets said.
The ombudsman also urged citizens to report any cases involving violations of Ukrainians’ rights or executions of servicemen through the hotline or law enforcement agencies.
According to him, any information could be critically important for the investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
Massive Russian attack
The war crime in the Huliaipole direction came amid a massive Russian attack on Ukraine involving numerous strikes on civilian and critical infrastructure.
On May 13, Russia switched to a tactic of prolonged combined attacks, causing casualties and destruction in several regions, including Lutsk, Kolomyia, and Rivne.
During the day, Russian forces also used more than 890 drones of various types against Ukraine. More than 700 drones were launched since morning alone, after the end of a short period of conditional ceasefire.
Russian forces also again deliberately targeted railway infrastructure, where 23 strikes reportedly caused deaths and injuries among railway workers.
