**Russian Forces Execute Four Ukrainian POWs in Zaporizhzhia Oblast**
A disturbing video has emerged, showing Russian forces executing four unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) near the village of Piatykhatky in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The drone footage, published by the Associated Press on April 10, is a stark reminder of the brutal treatment of POWs during Russia‘s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
According to the video, the four Ukrainian soldiers are seen emerging from a ruined building at gunpoint by Russian forces. One raises his hands in surrender before all four lie face down in the grass. The Russian soldiers then shoot each prisoner in the back, as identified by European military officials with the AP.
The execution of POWs is a clear violation of international law and the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit such actions under any circumstances. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Heorhii Tykhyi, has condemned the incident as a war crime and expects it to be investigated by the International Criminal Court.
**Systematic Execution of Ukrainian POWs**
This is not an isolated incident. Russia has been repeatedly accused of murdering captured Ukrainian soldiers during its invasion. As of mid-December 2024, Ukrainian authorities had documented the execution of at least 177 POWs. The systematic nature of these executions raises concerns about the Russian military’s disregard for human life and international law.
**Accountability and Justice**
Ukraine expects all perpetrators to be brought to justice for this heinous crime. As Tykhyi noted, “each one is shocking in its brutality.” The international community must hold Russia accountable for its actions and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The video of the execution serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of war and the need for accountability and justice. It is essential that we remember these victims and demand action from world leaders to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
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