Horrific Display of Occupation Authorities’ Cruelty: Russians Tortured and Killed Teenagers from Melitopol on Suspicion of Sabotage
In the temporarily occupied city of Melitopol, Russian security forces carried out an unprecedented act of brutality by kidnapping five minors on suspicion of ‘sabotage activities’ and collaboration with Ukrainian intelligence.
According to Petro Andryushchenko, head of the Occupation Research Center, two of the teenagers — 16-year-olds Viktor Azarovsky and Denys Vasilik, and 17-year-old Oleg Shokol — were subjected to torture, abuse, and ultimately murdered.
Viktor and Denys endured physical abuse, were forced to read prepared texts about ‘criminal activities’ and ‘links with the SBU,’ and were then transported to Russia, where they were placed in the Taganrog detention center known for its extreme brutality.
In Russia, Ukrainian minors faced systematic mistreatment — they were beaten, deprived of sleep, and denied medical assistance.
Viktor, who was still a minor at the time of detention, later turned 18, but his health had significantly deteriorated due to the torture.
Human rights defenders report that during detention, the youths were tied and subjected to psychological and physical abuse.
Meanwhile, Pавло Гримак and Данило Дахов probably died even before being transferred to Russia; their bodies have yet to be returned to families.
Ukrainian diplomat and Deputy Foreign Minister Marianna Betsa confirmed during UN debates that these teenagers were tortured and killed by occupying forces.
Russian authorities informed parents only of the results of DNA tests, but the bodies remain undisclosed.
The tragic fate of these minors highlights ongoing systemic violations of human rights in occupied territories.
Local residents and human rights advocates urge international attention and accountability for Russian troops’ crimes.