Official government statements or press releases

Ukraine Accuses Russia of Executing Nine POWs, Including Drone Operators, in Kursk

Oct 13, 2024, 12:32 PM

Ukrainian officials and media sources reported that Russian forces executed nine Ukrainian soldiers, including drone operators, in Russia's Kursk region on October 10. The soldiers were allegedly ambushed near the village of Zelenyi Shlyakh, and after surrendering and being disarmed and undressed, they were reportedly shot in the head by Russian troops, in violation of the Geneva Convention. Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, condemned the incident and urged the international community and organizations like the UN to respond to the alleged war crime. Ukraine's Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin announced an investigation into the killings, emphasizing the need for accountability. The incident adds to the growing number of Ukrainian POWs who have died in Russian captivity since the start of the full-scale war.