Ukrainian Authorities Investigate Alleged Shootings by Russian Forces in Avdiivka

KYIV (Reuters) – Ukrainian authorities announced on Sunday that they have initiated an investigation into the alleged shootings by Russian forces of six unarmed Ukrainian soldiers in the city of Avdiivka, as well as two soldiers in a village in the same region. This comes after Russia claimed full control of the city, sparking outrage and condemnation from Ukrainian officials.

The prosecutor’s office in Donetsk region revealed on its Telegram channel that they are looking into the shootings of unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war in Avdiivka and Vesele. The prosecutors cited information about the “execution of six prisoners” at a position in Avdiivka, stating that they were “seriously injured and awaiting evacuation.” Although the source of this information was not disclosed, the prosecutors are taking these allegations seriously.

Ukrainian military spokesperson Dmytro Lykhoviy expressed concerns about the reported killings in Avdiivka, stating, “There is still no possibility to confirm or refute the incidents as an investigation is ongoing.” He also highlighted that this would not be the first instance of Russia being accused of war crimes.

In a disturbing video fragment captured by a drone, the Donetsk prosecutor’s office claimed that a Russian soldier was seen shooting two captured Ukrainian soldiers at close range in the village of Vesele. The office described the act as a deliberate attempt by the occupier to eliminate the prisoners, using automatic weapons to execute them.

Earlier on Sunday, Ukraine’s land forces shared a video on their official Telegram channel, showing individuals in uniform in a narrow trench. An armed person, identified as Russian, is seen approaching two uniformed individuals, presumably Ukrainian soldiers, and firing his weapon at them without warning. The Ukrainians in the footage appear defenseless and make no attempt to resist as they are shot at by the Russian soldier.

Despite these grave accusations, Russia’s defence ministry has remained silent on the matter, refusing to comment on the allegations made by Ukrainian prosecutors. This is not the first time that Russia has faced accusations of killing prisoners of war, with previous denials of such claims.

While the authenticity of the video and the details provided by Ukrainian prosecutors and military are yet to be verified, the investigation into these alleged shootings is ongoing. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, awaiting further developments in this troubling case.

(Reporting by Oleksandr Kozhukhar in Kyiv and Elaine Monaghan in Washington; Writing by Elaine Monaghan; Editing by David Holmes and Lisa Shumaker)