News Feed

Ukraine to investigate alleged war crimes against Russian soldiers

1 min read

Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olga Stefanishyna told the Associated Press on Nov. 20 Ukraine would open an investigation into a viral video allegedly showing Ukrainian soldiers opening fire on captured Russian prisoners.

According to Stefanishyna, it is “highly unlikely” that the short redacted excerpts show what Moscow claims.

The Kremlin accused Ukrainian servicemen of shooting captured Russian servicemen, but a slow-motion version of the video shows a hidden shooter behind them, possibly meaning that they feigned to surrender.

Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian parliament’s Commissioner for Human Rights, said that Russians had committed a war crime by using the staged surrender of prisoners. In such a case, they cannot be considered prisoners of war, but those fighting, he argued. Lubinets didn't provide any further evidence.

Stefanishyna said the Ukrainian military is “absolutely not interested in executing anyone” and has a direct order to take “as many prisoners of war as possible” to be exchanged for Ukrainian soldiers in Russian captivity.

Stefanishyna said Ukraine had “no problem” with an international investigation.

Avatar
The Kyiv Independent news desk

We are the news team of the Kyiv Independent. We are here to make sure our readers get quick, essential updates about the events in Ukraine. Feel free to contact us via email with feedback and news alerts.

Read more
News Feed

"It is legitimate and lawful for China to conduct normal economic, trade and energy cooperation with all countries around the world, including Russia," China's Foreign Ministry said in response to question about Russian oil purchases posed by Bloomberg. "We will continue to adopt reasonable energy security measures in accordance with our national interests."

"The highly anticipated meeting between myself, as President of the United States of America, and President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, will take place next Friday, August 15, 2025, in the Great State of Alaska," Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that "further details will follow."

Video

At the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, foreigners flocked to Ukraine to join its defense against Russian forces. More than three years later, the foreign fighters who remain are a different breed — driven by a deep commitment to Ukraine.

Show More