The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine is warning of an “alarming rise” in executions of Ukrainian soldiers by Russian forces. The report released on Monday, Feb. 3, said since August 2024, 79 executions have occurred in 24 separate incidents.
What did the report find?
The findings also documented the execution of a wounded Russian soldier by Ukrainian forces.
The mission revealed many Ukrainian troops who surrendered or were captured by Russian forces were shot and killed “on the spot.”
Witnesses also said some Ukrainian service members who were injured or unarmed were executed.
The report said the executions took place during Russian offensive operations.
Where did the evidence come from?
The evidence of the 24 incidents came from verified video and photos “published by Ukrainian and Russian sources showing executions or dead bodies,” according to the United Nations group.
The information also came through detailed interviews with witnesses.
The head of the mission said these executions would constitute war crimes and accused Russian military leaders of ordering the inhumane treatment and executions of captured Ukrainian soldiers.
What is the response to the report?
In response to the report, Ukraine’s foreign minister called for “concrete steps to hold the perpetrators accountable.”
As Straight Arrow News reported in September 2024, a video obtained by CNN showed Ukrainian soldiers appearing to surrender gunned down by Russian forces.
While Russia’s Defense Ministry has yet to comment on the mission’s most recent report, in response to September’s video, it denied Moscow had committed any war crimes.
