In Donetsk region, occupying forces committed a brazen and brutal crime by executing three Ukrainian prisoners of war
This tragedy has sparked widespread resonance and once again underscores the tragic situation in the front-line regions, where the military is fighting for Ukraine's independence, and the criminal actions of Russia remain nothing but conscious violations of international law and fundamental human values. According to information received from the Donetsk regional prosecutor’s office, the incident occurred on May 3 near the village of Novopil in the Velykonovosilivka community of Volnovakha district. On that day, three Ukrainian servicemen were performing combat tasks at their positions, fighting against the occupying forces that sought to seize strategically important territory and cast a shadow over the entire region. According to the investigation, during the hostilities, the Ukrainian defenders found themselves encircled by the enemy. Russian military personnel forced the Ukrainians to surrender their weapons and capitulate, demonstrating a complete lack of humanity and basic norms of international humanitarian law. However, the most brutal and merciless moment came after the Ukrainian soldiers, overwhelmed by despair and powerless to resist, became hostages of the situation. At that moment, the invaders, abusing their military capabilities, used automatic weapons and ruthlessly shot them right in front of their fellow prisoners and witnesses. This impudent crime, committed flagrantly contrary to all norms of international humanitarian law, causes outrage and disgust in all civilized societies of the world. Donetsk once again bore witness to a tragedy that highlights the ruthlessness and cynicism of the occupying forces. Ukrainian defenders, who fought under the most difficult conditions to protect their land, have once again fallen victim to military aggression, reminding us of the need for the international community to unite in defending human rights and condemning war crimes. According to representatives of the prosecutor’s office, an urgent investigation is currently underway. Special investigative groups are working to gather evidence, establish the circumstances of the tragedy, and identify those responsible for the heinous killing. It is known that this incident is classified as a grave international crime — intentional murder of prisoners of war — and falls under the provisions of the Geneva Conventions. Authorities once again emphasize that such actions are unacceptable and call on the global community to intensify efforts to hold those responsible accountable. They also declare readiness to track and punish anyone who violates international law and human rights during the war. This tragedy once again confirms the high price Ukrainian heroes pay for their freedom and independence. The world must raise a loud and uncompromising voice in condemning such heinous crimes, because every death on the front line is a loss for the entire Ukrainian nation and humanity as a whole.