Today, July 28, Ukraine honors the memory of those tortured, executed, and killed in captivity at the national level for the first time. This day has become a dark one, as exactly three years ago one of the most horrific tragedies committed by Russian occupiers occurred in Olenivka, Donetsk region.
The Russians carried out a terrorist attack in a prison barrack where Ukrainian prisoners of war from Mariupol were held. Under the threat of death, they were forced inside the barrack, and the Russians instigated a fire, resulting in the deaths of 47 people and over 100 injured.
«A couple of days before this, 198 fighters of the Azov Special Forces were transferred to the prepared prison barrack. On the evening of July 28, the guards forced everyone inside and hinted that death awaited the prisoners. Soon, enemy artillery began operating nearby, and around 11:45 PM, two explosions occurred in the barrack, triggering the fire. 47 people died instantly. Six more bled to death later. More than 100 prisoners of war were injured. For several hours, neither medics from other barracks nor an ambulance were allowed to reach them. Only around five in the morning did the prison administration permit the evacuation of the injured,» – Azov noted.
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Russian media accused Ukraine of its own attack, but this was a fabrication. A UN mission confirmed that the terrorist act was planned by the Russians, not the Ukrainians. Ukraine continues to insist on an investigation into this horrific tragedy.
The Ukrainian side rejected the accusations of shelling
A UN analysis confirmed that the tragedy in Olenivka was a crime committed by Russian troops. Russian media are trying to mix facts, but the truth turns out to be clear: the main culprits should be sought among the Russian occupiers.
Ukraine condemns this tragedy and continues to demand a fair examination of this case in international instances.