War crime in Pokrovsk district
Russian invaders executed two captured servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Pokrovsk district of Donetsk region. A criminal case has been opened in connection with this war crime.
On December 27, during the assault in the village of Shakhove, the Russians took two servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine captive. Both prisoners were directly executed by Russian military personnel. This incident raised concerns among human rights defenders and the international community, as it is a vivid example of a violation of international humanitarian law.
Preliminary investigation
A preliminary investigation has been initiated regarding the commission of the war crime under part 2 of article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. All circumstances of the case will be examined in the framework of the investigation to hold those responsible accountable. It is noteworthy that on December 20, 2025, the Russians also executed three soldiers of the Defense Forces of Ukraine south of Hulyaipole, further highlighting the systematic nature of such crimes.
This case is yet another confirmation of the brutality of the conflict in eastern Ukraine and the need to hold accountable all those who commit war crimes.
This incident underscores the seriousness of the situation in eastern Ukraine, where human rights violations and breaches of international law are becoming commonplace. The sharp increase in cases of murdered captive soldiers provokes international reaction and emphasizes the need for heightened measures to protect human rights in wartime. The opening of a criminal case is a step towards ensuring justice and accountability for war crimes, which, in turn, may influence the further development of the conflict and international support for Ukraine.