Ukraine's spy chief says Russia was preparing for genocide before full-scale invasion
Photo: Head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Russia was preparing for the genocide of Ukrainians long before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. They were given instructions on how to create execution lists and mobile crematoria, says the head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov at the forum Genocidal practices of Russia in Ukraine: From Holodomor to Russian-Ukrainian war.
According to him, Russia's preparations for genocide against the Ukrainian people before the full-scale invasion included the creation of execution lists, mobile crematoria, and mass graves. These preparations were carried out purposefully long before the full-scale invasion began.
In an article by Kremlin head Vladimir Putin published in July 2021, he once again denied the right of the Ukrainian nation to exist.
“Russia's propaganda, the highest state authorities, high-ranking officials, and the entire state machine, having received such a blessing from their leader, have repeatedly called for the destruction of Ukrainians,” he said.
According to the head of military intelligence, total Ukrainophobia has affected the entire Russian society.
“The genocide of Ukrainians is not only the state policy of Russia but also a mandatory social belief, sent down from above,” Budanov said.
Briefings and kill lists
Prior to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian troops were briefed on the location of collective graves.
“The execution lists were to include teachers of the Ukrainian language, literature, history, ATO veterans, journalists, scholars, writers, priests of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and other denominations who supported Ukraine, public and political figures, heads of state and self-government bodies,” said Budanov.
The maniacal instructions were simultaneously implemented in different regions of Ukraine invaded by the Russian army.
“We have seen horrific mass crimes against Ukrainian citizens, the facts of which have become known to the whole world. The atrocities committed by the Russian Armed Forces in Borodianka, Bucha, Hostomel, Izium, Mariupol, and many other Ukrainian cities and towns showed that these identical and synchronized actions were based on clear doctrinal provisions of the Russian genocidal policy of the government and military leadership,” he concluded.
War in Ukraine
Russian troops invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. They captured Kherson, Mariupol, Enerhodar, and other cities. To capture Mariupol, the Russians organized constant bombardments of the city.
Russia also used deliberate starvation tactics during the occupation of Mariupol in February 2022. Lawyers say that the strategy of depriving the city's residents of food during the blockade can be equated to a war crime.
