Ukraine announced on Friday, Sept. 6, that it is launching an investigation into Russian forces allegedly killing three surrendering Ukrainian soldiers in southeast Ukraine last month. Video exclusively obtained by CNN, shows Ukrainian soldiers appearing to surrender to advancing Russian forces, getting down on their knees and placing their hands on their heads. Moments later, they fall to the ground, their bodies lie face down and motionless.
The Ukrainian military reportedly said that it’s just one of scores of similar incidents reported since the beginning of the war. Ukraine’s prosecutor general said Kyiv is investigating the alleged executions of 73 Ukrainian prisoners at the hands of Russian troops. The latest incident took place after Russian troops attacked a trench used by Ukrainian forces for cover on Aug. 27.
“This war crime is part of Russia’s ongoing gross violations of international humanitarian law. Russian barbarism is a disgrace to humanity,” said Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Spokesperson Heorhi Tykhyi, on social media.
A United Nations investigative source told CNN that they believe the killings may be war crimes and part of orders Russians soldiers received from commanders.
“There are many. There is a pattern. It suggests complacency, if not orders,” the source said.
They claim the alleged executions could be a sign of a Russian policy to show no mercy, adding “the killings are war crimes individually and together could amount to crimes against humanity.”
Meanwhile, Moscow has denied it has committed any war crimes.
