Russians have executed Ukrainian soldiers in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukrainian forces say

A Ukrainian military official has reported that Russian troops executed Ukrainian servicemen they had taken prisoner on the Huliaipole front. The Russian soldiers are believed to belong to the 38th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade, which is fighting Ukrainian forces in the area.

Source: Maksym Kravchuk, spokesman for Operational Strategic Group Pivden (South), in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda

Details: The war crime was recorded by Ukrainian military personnel a few days ago.

Ukrainian defence forces intercepted radio communications between Russian servicemen as the killings were taking place, Kravchuk said. According to him, the Russian troops received orders to "finish off the wounded f**ker" and "take them out immediately" and carried out the killings of the unarmed prisoners without hesitation. There were likely two Ukrainian prisoners of war killed. Kravchuk added that such orders in the 38th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade are issued on the initiative of its commander, Colonel Valery Kazak.

The Ukrainian military emphasised that this is yet another piece of evidence for a future tribunal regarding the crimes committed by Russian troops. The relevant materials have been handed over to law enforcement agencies.

Quote: "The killing of prisoners of war is a gross violation of international humanitarian law. We call on the international community to respond, demand an investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice."

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