The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine has recorded more than 150 cases of executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war by the Russian occupiers. The DIU announced this on 24 May in its official Telegram.
“The number of executions on the battlefield is growing: in many cases, direct orders to kill prisoners have been recorded. These crimes are not isolated incidents, but part of a deliberate policy on the part of the leadership of the aggressor state – Russia,” the statement said.
The GUR also referred to the report of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the situation in Ukraine, presented in March this year. It documented cases in which the Russian military deliberately killed or injured Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered or tried to surrender. Some Russian deserters confirmed that they had received orders to “take no prisoners”.
The recording of such war crimes strengthens Ukraine’s position on the need for an international tribunal for the Russian leadership and further legal responsibility for crimes against humanity.
