FacebookUkrainian sniper Oleksandr Matsievsky was captured by the Russians in the first year of the all-out invasion. Later, a video emerged showing him smoking his last cigarette in the woods, next to a grave he apparently had to dig.
“Glory to Ukraine!” He says to his captors. Moments later, gunfire rang out and he fell dead.
His execution is one of many.
In October this year, nine captured Ukrainian soldiers were reportedly shot dead by Russian forces in the Kursk region. Ukrainian prosecutors Investigation of the case Including a photo showing half-naked bodies lying on the ground. This photo was enough for one of the victims, drone operator Ruslan Holopenko, to be identified by his parents.
“I recognized him by his underwear.” said his astonished mother Local broadcaster Sospilny Chernihiv. “I bought it for him before a trip to the sea. I also learned that his shoulder was shot. You can see that in the picture.”
The list of executions goes on and Ukrainian prosecutors are investigating Reports to Beheadings and sword It was used to kill a Ukrainian soldier with his hands tied behind his back.
In another case, video The video showed 16 Ukrainian soldiers apparently lined up and then killed by automatic fire after emerging from the forest to surrender.
Getty ImagesSome executions were filmed by Russian forces themselves, while others were monitored by Ukrainian drones hovering overhead.
The killings seen in these videos usually take place in forests or fields that lack distinguishing features, making their exact location difficult to confirm. However, BBC Verify has been able to confirm in several cases – Like cutting off one's head – The victims are wearing Ukrainian uniforms and the videos are recent.
Increasing numbers
The Ukrainian Public Prosecution says that at least 147 Ukrainian prisoners of war have been executed by Russian forces since the start of the large-scale invasion, including 127 this year.
“The upward trend is very clear, very clear,” says Yuri Belousov, head of the war department of the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office.
“Executions have become systematic since November last year, and have continued throughout this year. It is unfortunate that their number has increased in particular this summer and fall. This tells us that they are not isolated cases. They are happening over vast areas, and they are happening over large areas.” “They have clear signs that they are part of a policy – there is evidence of instructions to that effect.”
International humanitarian law – in particular Third Geneva Convention – Providing protection for prisoners of war, and executing them is a war crime.
However, Ramzan Kadyrov, the powerful leader of Russia's Chechen Republic, spoke briefly His commanders ordered Participation in Ukraine's war “for taking no prisoners.”
Getty ImagesImpunity
There is no shortage of evidence to support allegations of executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian forces, says Rachel Denber, deputy Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch. According to her, impunity plays a major role, and the Russian army has to answer some serious questions.
“What instructions have these units received, either formally or informally from their commanders? Are the commanders of these units completely clear about what the Geneva Conventions say regarding the treatment of prisoners of war? What do Russian military commanders tell their units about their behavior? What are the steps? The chain of command investigates these cases, and if higher authorities do not investigate, or do not take steps to prevent this behavior, do they realize that they too are criminally responsible and can be held accountable?
So far, there is no indication that Russia is officially investigating allegations that its forces are executing Ukrainian prisoners of war. Even mentioning similar allegations is It is punishable by long prison terms In Russia.
According to Vladimir PutinRussian forces “always” treat Ukrainian prisoners of war “strictly in line with international legal documents and international agreements.”
Ukrainian forces They were also charged On the execution of Russian prisoners of war, but the number of such claims was much smaller.
Yuriy Belousov says Ukrainian prosecutors take such accusations “very seriously” and are investigating them – but no one has been charged yet.
According to Human Rights WatchSince the start of the large-scale invasion in February 2022, Russian forces have committed “a series of violations, including those that should be investigated as war crimes or crimes against humanity.”
The record of abuses committed by the Russian army is such that some Ukrainian soldiers would rather die than be captured.
“He said to me: 'Mom, I will never give up, ever. Forgive me, I know you will cry, but I don't want to be tortured,'” Ruslan Holopenko's mother says. Her son is still officially classified as missing in action, and she's hoping against hope.
“I will do everything possible and impossible to get my child back. I keep looking at this picture. Maybe he's just unconscious? I want to believe, I don't want to think he's gone.”
