Allegations that eight unarmed Ukrainian troops were killed by Russian forces after they seized control of the city of Avdiivka have prompted Ukraine to open an investigation.
According to state-run media outlet Ukrinform, the Security Service of Ukraine launched a pre-trial inquiry on Monday into the suspected killing of unarmed prisoners of war in the villages of Vesele and Avdiivka, working with the Donetsk Regional Prosecutor’s Office.
“A pre-trial investigation has been initiated into the violation of the laws and customs of war combined with premeditated murder (Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine),” the security agency said in a statement, which Ukrinform quoted. “Under the procedural supervision of the Donetsk Regional Prosecutor’s Office.”
According to Ukrinform, footage of two captured Ukrainian soldiers being shot at close range by a Russian soldier was among the proof of the deaths that was uploaded on the messaging app Telegram.
Moscow has not addressed the allegations in public.
Since Moscow began a full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022, Ukraine has charged Russia on several occasions of war crimes, including the slaughter of civilians without authorization. Additionally, Russia has charged Ukraine of breaking international law.
