Ukrainian authorities have opened an investigation into what they describe as the summary execution of 16 Ukrainian soldiers by Russian forces on the eastern front.
“This is the largest known case of the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war on the frontline and further evidence that the killing and torture of POWs are not isolated events,” said Ukraine’s prosecutor general, Andriy Kostin, on X. “This is part of a calculated policy by the Russian military and political leadership.”
Moscow has not yet responded to the allegations. The Kremlin consistently denies committing war crimes in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s prosecutor general’s office stated on Telegram that they were investigating a video circulating on social media, which purportedly shows the killings.
The video appears to capture grainy drone footage of over 10 people leaving a trench, only to be lined up and shot by unidentifiable figures.
Reuters could not independently confirm the video’s location or date.
Kostin indicated the incident occurred on the Pokrovsk front, where Russian assaults have intensified.
Ukrainian prosecutors have previously accused Russia of killing POWs. In September, they reported investigating the deaths of at least 73 Ukrainian prisoners. Kyiv claims to have documented over 130,000 war crimes by Russia since the invasion began in February 2022.
