April 3 (Reuters) - The European Union on Sunday accused Russian troops of committing atrocities in the Kyiv region after the mayor of the town of Bucha said 300 residents had been killed during a month-long occupation by Russian forces.
"Shocked by news of atrocities committed by Russian forces. EU assists Ukraine in documenting war crimes," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Twitter, adding all cases needed to be pursued by the International Court of Justice.
Ukraine said on Saturday its forces had retaken all areas around Kyiv, claiming complete control of the capital region for the first time since Russia launched its invasion on Feb 24. The mayor of Bucha, a liberated town 37 km (23 miles) northwest of the capital, said 300 residents had been killed by the Russian army. read more
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"Shocked by haunting images of atrocities committed by Russian army in Kyiv liberated region," the president of the EU Council grouping the bloc's member states, Charles Michel, commented on Twitter.
Russia has previously denied targetting civilians and rejected allegations of war crimes in what it calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine. The Russian defence ministry in Moscow did not immediately reply to a request for comment when asked on Sunday about bodies found in Bucha.
Michel said the EU was assisting Ukraine and non-governmental organisations in gathering the necessary evidence for the prosecution of crimes in international courts.
"Further EU sanctions and support are on their way," he added.
Reporting by Sabine Siebold Editing by Frances Kerry
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
hyperfat on April 3rd, 2022 at 18:14 UTC »
I'd never say this but I'm so glad my family is dead and didn't have to see this.
It would have broken my dad and brothers hearts.
And if they were alive they would have supported Ukraine even though we are Russian.
Russia did nothing for our family. And my brother was just about to move to Ukraine before he died.
This shit makes me cry every day.
sooperdooperboi on April 3rd, 2022 at 16:57 UTC »
Beyond being absolutely barbaric, this is probably the worst possible tactic if they want to occupy Ukraine. It’s likely intended as a brutal warning, but it’s just going to galvanize the locals to fight back with everything they have, to the point where suicide attacks might be on the table.
I can’t imagine how the Russian military leadership thinks this is a good way to win.
axizz31 on April 3rd, 2022 at 14:48 UTC »
Here is a video report talking about how people were tied and executed in the back of their heads. (Graphic, NSFW) This is beyond unacceptable and people who did this will comeback from war as heroes.