Russia executes 16 Ukrainian POWs in ‘most massive case’

Russian troops allegedly executed 16 Ukrainian prisoners of war along the Pokrovsk axis in the Donetsk region, marking the largest known case of a mass killing since the full-scale invasion began, Ukraine’s Prosecutor-General’s Office reported.

Telegram channels on Oct.1 published drone footage of what appeared to be the alleged execution of 16 Ukrainian servicemen by members of the Russian Armed Forces. 

“According to media reports, the latest war crime by the Russian occupying army took place near the villages of Mykolaivka and Sukhyi Yar in the Pokrovsk district,” the Prosecutor-General’s Office said.

One released video shows Ukraine servicemen, captured by the Russians, emerging from a forest line under enemy control.

“After they lined up in a row, the occupiers deliberately opened fire to kill them. The wounded, who showed signs of life, were finished off at close range with automatic gunfire,” the report states.

Law enforcement bodies have launched an investigation into this latest alleged war crime committed by the Russian army. 

“These actions are a cynical and blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and qualify as a grave international crime,” Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin said.”This is the most massive case of execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war on the front line.”

The published material is currently being verified. 

“It is yet another indication that the killings and torture of prisoners are not accidental but a deliberate policy of the Russian military and political leadership,” he added.