In a shocking incident near the embattled city of Pokrovsk, eastern Ukraine, video footage obtained by CNN shows three Ukrainian soldiers surrendering to Russian forces, only to be executed moments later. The footage, filmed by a drone in late August, captures the harrowing scene where the soldiers, hands raised, are forced to kneel before being killed. Ukrainian officials assert this incident is part of a broader pattern of alleged war crimes carried out by Russian forces.
The video shows the Ukrainian soldiers emerging from their trench and kneeling on a dusty track, hands placed on their heads, in a clear act of surrender. Seconds later, they fall motionless, lying face down as dust swirls around them. According to Ukrainian defense intelligence, this incident is one of 15 documented cases since November, where surrendering troops have been killed by Russian forces, rather than being taken as prisoners of war.
The footage highlights the brutal tactics allegedly used by Russian forces as they continue their advance in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian officials argue these actions are war crimes and part of a systematic policy orchestrated by the Kremlin. Andriy Kostin, Ukraine’s prosecutor general, condemned the act, stating, “Summary execution of prisoners of war is a war crime,” and emphasized that these actions may constitute crimes against humanity.
Growing Pattern of War Crimes
Ukrainian prosecutors have been investigating 28 such incidents since the war began, where a total of 62 Ukrainian soldiers have died. While many cases are supported by drone footage or intercepted audio, the killings reflect a growing trend of brutal battlefield tactics by Russian forces.
One audio intercept obtained by Ukrainian intelligence reveals chilling instructions from a Russian commander, known as "Turk," who orders his subordinate "Maloy" to execute prisoners, saying, "Take them f**king down, zero them." Such intercepted communications, combined with video evidence, strengthen the allegations of war crimes against Russia.
Impact on Ukrainian Forces and Morale
The emergence of these videos has posed a significant dilemma for Ukrainian commanders. While they must expose Russian atrocities, there is concern about the impact on troop morale. Despite recent gains made by Ukrainian forces, particularly in Russia’s Kursk region, these alleged executions highlight the savagery of the ongoing conflict.
Some cases have been publicly shared, with Ukrainian units posting videos of similar executions. In one instance, drone footage published on Telegram showed Ukrainian soldiers emerging from a basement with their hands raised in surrender before being shot by Russian troops. Prosecutors are now investigating these events under charges of intentional murder and violation of the laws of war.
International Response and Genocide Claims
The UN has begun examining these incidents as part of broader investigations into extrajudicial killings in Ukraine. A UN source noted, “There are many. There is a pattern,” hinting at the possibility that these incidents could amount to crimes against humanity. As Ukraine continues to document and investigate these alleged war crimes, the nation is building a case for genocide against Russia. Ukrainian prosecutors have also put several Russian servicemen on trial, accusing them of carrying out such executions.
While the Russian Ministry of Defense has not responded to these allegations, the international community is closely watching. Russian President Vladimir Putin is already the subject of an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for his alleged role in forcibly deporting Ukrainian children to Russia. Now, Kyiv is working to include battlefield executions in its broader genocide case.
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