Russians executed Ukrainian soldiers in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukrainian forces say

What Happened

Maksym Kravchuk, spokesman for Operational Strategic Group Pivden (South), told Ukrainska Pravda that Russian troops executed Ukrainian servicemen taken prisoner on the Huliaipole front in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. According to Kravchuk, Ukrainian military personnel recorded the incident a few days ago and intercepted radio communications between Russian servicemen as the killings were taking place. Kravchuk identified the Russian soldiers as believed to belong to the 38th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade. He said the Russian troops received orders to 'finish off the wounded f**ker' and 'take them out immediately' and carried out the killings of unarmed prisoners without hesitation; likely two Ukrainian prisoners of war were killed. Kravchuk added that such orders in the 38th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade are issued on the initiative of its commander, Colonel Valery Kazak. Ukrainian forces said the materials have been handed over to law enforcement agencies as evidence for a future tribunal, and called on the international community to respond, demand an investigation and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The allegation documents a possible war crime — killing prisoners of war — which violates international humanitarian law. Ukrainian forces are collecting intercepted radio communications and other materials for a future tribunal, aiming to establish command responsibility up to brigade commander Colonel Valery Kazak. The case could contribute to broader accountability efforts for crimes committed during Russia's full-scale invasion.

Watch For

Ukrainian law enforcement agencies' processing of the handed-over materials and any formal criminal proceedings or identification of the victims; potential independent verification of the intercepted radio communications and the alleged orders; international responses, including demands for an investigation or sanctions against Colonel Valery Kazak and the 38th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade.