Two Ukrainian soldiers were reportedly executed by Russian forces near Selidove in the Donetsk region, according to initial findings from Ukraine's regional prosecutor’s office.
Disarmed, Forced to Ground and Shot
A preliminary investigation has been launched under criminal proceedings for violations of the laws and customs of war, combined with intentional murder, as confirmed by the Prosecutor General's Office.
According to reports from Ukrainska Pravda and L'Independent, the two soldiers were captured during a Russian assault in the region. After surrendering and being disarmed, they were allegedly forced to the ground and executed at close range by Russian forces.
This is not the first time Russia has faced accusations of executing Ukrainian prisoners.
In September, a video recorded by a Ukrainian drone caused outrage after being shared with CNN by Ukrainian defense intelligence sources.
Not the First Time
The footage, captured near Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, showed three Ukrainian soldiers attempting to surrender after their trench was overrun.
With their hands on their heads, the soldiers were seen kneeling in the dust, but instead of being taken as prisoners, they were shot and killed by Russian troops, according to an unnamed Ukrainian official.
These incidents add to growing concerns over potential war crimes committed during the ongoing conflict. The investigation into the latest alleged executions is expected to further examine whether Russian forces are systematically violating international law by executing captured Ukrainian soldiers.
The repeated accusations of such acts have sparked international condemnation, as both Ukrainian and global human rights organizations call for accountability in the face of these reported atrocities.
