A recently released Russian documentary, At the Edge of the Abyss, has brought to light evidence of war crimes committed by Russian forces during the 2022 siege of Mariupol.
The footage includes scenes of soldiers firing on a civilian car and commanders issuing orders to target fleeing civilians indiscriminately.
Shocking Footage of Civilian Attacks
In one clip, Russian forces are seen shooting at a civilian vehicle, despite occupants shouting, “Don’t shoot, there are children here.”
Another segment captures a Russian commander instructing troops to execute civilians attempting to escape the city.
“This street is not allowed to cross for anyone—children, old people, I do not give a damn,” the commander is heard saying. He continues, “Vans with children, buses, I do not care. Stop the first vehicle in the column at any cost. Shoot the tires, if they drive further, shoot them in the face.”
The four-part documentary showcases the operations of the notorious Somalia assault battalion, a Russian unit implicated in numerous war crimes since the onset of Russia’s invasion in 2014.
The series documents the battalion’s role in the so-called “liberation” of Mariupol in spring 2022, presenting a troubling narrative of their actions.
According to United24 Media, the film’s director also acknowledges a personal connection with the battalion, describing them as “reckless guys” he met during battles for Donetsk airport in 2014.
The footage corroborates allegations of war crimes during the siege of Mariupol, previously documented by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Global Rights Compliance. Investigators have accused Russian forces of deliberately using starvation tactics against Ukrainian civilians for 85 days, systematically targeting essential supplies and infrastructure.
