Security Service of Ukraine captures Russian serviceman involved in execution of Ukrainian POWs

Prisoner linked to war crime

"We have taken into captivity exactly the Russian who is guilty of the shooting of Ukrainian prisoners in October last year in the Kursk region. Every Russian killer must answer for what they have done. And that will happen," Zelenskyy said.

The president emphasized that all those involved in war crimes will be held accountable.

Countering sabotage in the rear

Zelenskyy also reported on the work of the SBU to counter Russian sabotage activities behind the lines.

"We are also countering Russian sabotage in the rear — thank you to the Security Service of Ukraine for protecting our citizens," the president noted.

Execution of servicemen in the Kursk region

On Sunday, October 13, 2024, analysts from the DeepState service, citing data from the First Separate Tank Brigade, reported that Russian troops had executed nine Ukrainian defenders in the Kursk region. The incident likely occurred on October 10 near the village of Zelenyi Shliakh.

According to analysts, the soldiers were heading to their positions, believing they were in a relatively rear area, but encountered the enemy. Due to a limited supply of ammunition, the Ukrainian troops were forced to surrender.

The Prosecutor General’s Office opened criminal proceedings over the alleged execution of nine Ukrainian prisoners of war in the Kursk region. Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said this was a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions and a war crime, and promised that those responsible would be brought to justice.

At the time, Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said he had appealed to the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross over another crime committed by Russia and urged the international community not to remain silent. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described such actions as barbaric and stressed that executions of Ukrainian prisoners have become more frequent.