Russia Accused of Executing POWs Following Ukraine’s Withdrawal
Ukrainian forces recently relinquished control of the eastern city of Avdiivka after facing a relentless Russian assault. The fall of Avdiivka represents a significant strategic and symbolic win for Russia, bolstering its defense of Donetsk and potentially paving the way for further offensives against Ukrainian-held territories. Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi cited the decision to retreat as a measure to save soldiers’ lives.
Amid the aftermath of Avdiivka’s takeover, evidence of potential war crimes has emerged, with reports suggesting that six soldiers found dead were executed after surrendering. Ukrainian authorities are investigating, while Moscow has yet to comment on the allegations.
Testimonies from Ukrainian soldiers who withdrew from Avdiivka depict a scenario of unresponsive commanders who ignored desperate pleas to retreat as Russian forces closed in. According to the soldiers, the evacuation order came too late, leaving them surrounded.
A video circulated by Russian military bloggers following the capture of Avdiivka appears to show the bodies of Ukrainian soldiers who may have surrendered after Russian troops seized their position. The identified deceased soldiers, Ivan Zhytnyk, Andriy Dubnytsky, and Georgiy Pavlov, were reportedly part of the “Zenith” base on the city’s southeastern outskirts. The soldiers at Zenith had been engaged in an increasingly desperate battle, urging commanders to pull them out due to the imminent threat of encirclement. Despite their pleas, they were instructed to wait.
On February 13, the defenders of Zenith were finally ordered to withdraw to another position in Avdiivka, but the delay proved fatal. The unfolding events shed light on the chaotic circumstances leading to the soldiers’ deaths and underscore the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces in the face of the Russian onslaught.
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