**Russia Suspected of Executing 5 Ukrainian Prisoners**
Russian soldiers are suspected of shooting five unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war (POW) in Donetsk Oblast, according to the Prosecutor General‘s Office. The incident occurred earlier this month and was reported on November 26.
According to reports, Russian troops captured the five Ukrainian defenders during an assault in the Pokrovsk sector. After forcing them to lay down their weapons and lie on the ground, they were shot with automatic weapons.
An investigation has been launched to establish all the circumstances of the crime and identify those involved. Reports of such incidents have increased recently, with most cases recorded in Donetsk Oblast.
**International Reaction**
Ukraine’s Ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, said that he had notified the United Nations and the Red Cross regarding the latest case. He emphasized that the killing of prisoners of war is a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions and is considered a serious international crime.
Law enforcement officers are investigating 53 criminal proceedings related to the executions of 177 Ukrainian soldiers. In 2024 alone, 37 proceedings were registered in relation to 109 executions.
**Escalating Conflict**
The incident comes amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. There have been reports of murders, torture, and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war. The conflict has also seen an increase in violence on both sides, with reports of civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure.
**International Support**
Ukraine has received support from the international community, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The two countries have provided military aid to Ukraine and continue to support its defense efforts.
The conflict is expected to be discussed at a meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers, where they will consider increasing diplomatic pressure on China over its support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine.