Ukraine’s Security Service has launched an investigation into allegations that Russian forces executed eight unarmed Ukrainian soldiers after taking control of the city of Avdiivka. The Security Service of Ukraine, under the guidance of the Donetsk Regional Prosecutor’s Office, has opened a pre-trial investigation into the alleged killing of unarmed prisoners of war in Avdiivka and the village of Vesele, as reported by state-run media outlet Ukrinform. Evidence of the killings was shared on the Telegram messaging app, including footage showing a Russian soldier shooting two captured Ukrainian soldiers at close range.
The probe comes as Russia claimed full control of Avdiivka, marking a significant gain for Moscow since the fall of Bakhmut in May. Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the capture of the city as “an important victory” in the nearly two-year-long war. Ukraine’s military reported that Russian forces launched multiple attacks to the west of Avdiivka to build on their territorial gains, including unsuccessful assaults on the village of Lastochkyne.
Ukraine has repeatedly accused Russia of unlawful killings and other war crimes since Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022. The alleged executions are the latest in a series of accusations of human rights abuses and violations of international law in the conflict. Moscow has not publicly responded to the claims, and Russia has also accused Ukraine of committing violations of international law.
The Security Service of Ukraine stated that a pre-trial investigation has been initiated into the violation of the laws and customs of war combined with premeditated murder, according to the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Ukrainian forces’ retreat from Avdiivka came after they were forced to ration ammunition due to dwindling supplies, a situation that the administration of United States President Joe Biden has blamed on Congress’s failure to swiftly approve a package of military aid for Kyiv. This further complicates the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, raising concerns about potential war crimes and humanitarian issues in the region.