SBU launches investigation into alleged shooting of 16 Ukrainian prisoners of war in Pokrovsk sector
In the Pokrovsky direction, the occupiers probably shot 16 Ukrainian prisoners of war. This was reported to the Office of the General Prosecutor of Ukraine, after which an investigation into the incident was launched.
Information about the mass murder appeared on Telegram channels on October 1. It is noted that the incident took place in the area of Mykolaivka and Sukhyi Yar villages in Pokrovsky district. The released footage shows captured Ukrainian servicemen leaving the forest under the supervision of the occupiers. After the soldiers were lined up, the Russian military opened fire on them. The wounded were executed in automatic rounds at close range.
Office of the Prosecutor General emphasized, that this incident is a grave international crime that falls under the violation of the laws and customs of war. Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin noted that this is the largest known execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war on the front line. He emphasized that such killings are part of the purposeful policy of the Russian military and political leadership.
The investigation is being conducted under Part 2 of Art. 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with intentional murder).
Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets as well reacted on this incident, declaring that this is another gross violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions. He called on international organizations, such as the UN and the ICRC, to intervene and stop systematic crimes against Ukrainian prisoners of war, stressing the need to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Center for Combating Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine reported that experts are currently checking the authenticity of the circulated video and establishing the exact date of the commission of this war crime.
