A message posted on Telegram states: "The published footage depicts the execution of two prisoners of war from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to verified information, the Russian occupiers have once again treacherously fired upon unarmed soldiers."
The Strategic Committee of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has confirmed the authenticity of the footage showing Russian troops gunning down two Ukrainian soldiers upon surrender.
The Prosecutor's Office of the Donetsk region has initiated an investigation following the release of shocking footage.
The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine has confirmed that pre-trial proceedings are underway concerning the breach of laws and customs of war, specifically for the charge of premeditated murder (as per part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, has also commented on the video, labeling it a "war crime."
"Today, a video of the execution by Russian servicemen of Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered as prisoners appeared online! This is another violation of the Geneva Conventions and disrespect for international humanitarian law!" he wrote on Telegram.
"The Russian side shows its terrorist face again and again!" he added.
Lubinets said the Ukrainian soldiers "were disarmed, and their hands were raised... They did not pose any threat! The Russian side had to capture them and give them the status of prisoners of war."
Similar topics of Interest Language Issue Being Stirred Up Again in Ukraine? Part 2 At the height of war, language scandals have again erupted about Russian's role in Ukraine and attitudes toward its speakers. And Moscow has used claims of discrimination as a pretext for war.
Vitaly Barabash, the head of the Avdiivka City State Administration, said the Ukrainian Defense Forces have reportedly eliminated the Russian military involved in the shooting of unarmed Ukrainian soldiers soon following the incident.
During a telethon on Sunday, Dec. 3, Barabash explained that two Ukrainian soldiers surrendered to the Russians due to an ammunition shortage.
"They surrendered, indeed, because they ran out of ammunition," Barabash said.
"As far as I know, our guys attacked this position a little later. Everyone who was there was eliminated," he added.
dukeofsponge on December 3rd, 2023 at 11:44 UTC »
Murdered for defending their homes and country. Just horrible. RIP.
shkarada on December 3rd, 2023 at 10:15 UTC »
So you are saying that you DON'T want the enemy to surrender?
Fritzkreig on December 3rd, 2023 at 09:03 UTC »
Tactical and strategic mistake, an enemy that KNOWS you offer no quarter will fight harder, and to the bitter end!
Slava Ukraini!