They were ordered to finish off wounded prisoners: two soldiers may have been killed in Zaporizhzhia
The suspected perpetrators’ affiliation with Russia’s 38th Brigade has not been definitively confirmed
On the Huliaipole front in Zaporizhzhia region, Russian troops may have killed two Ukrainian prisoners of war. According to preliminary information, the wounded and unarmed defenders were ordered to be killed after they had already been captured.
South Forces spokesperson Maksym Kravchuk said that Ukrainian units intercepted radio communications between Russian servicemen. The conversations were recorded during the alleged crime. They indicate that the troops were ordered to kill the prisoners.
The alleged perpetrators may have served in the 38th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade of the Russian Federation. However, their affiliation with this unit has not been definitively confirmed.
According to the spokesperson, killing servicemen who have laid down their arms and fallen into enemy hands is a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
“The killing of prisoners of war is a grave violation of international humanitarian law. We call on the international community to respond, demand an investigation and hold those responsible to account,” said South Forces spokesperson Maksym Kravchuk.
The Ukrainian side is also calling on international organizations to pay attention to the deaths of the prisoners and help investigate the circumstances. The killing of prisoners of war is prohibited by the Geneva Conventions and may be classified as a war crime.
We previously reported:
- More than 700 Azov fighters have been in captivity for a fifth year: Russia has sentenced 250 and systematically excludes them from exchange lists
- Occupiers execute four captured Ukrainian soldiers in Kharkiv region: prosecutors open a case
- Russia executed 337 Ukrainian prisoners of war by the end of 2025
- “Hell from the inside”: correspondence involving a Russian general reveals torture and executions of Ukrainian prisoners, journalists say
- Moscow assassination attempt: Prokopenko recalls how a Russian general betrayed Azovstal prisoners
