Prosecutor’s office identifies suspects in execution of Ukrainian prisoners near Robotyne

Russian occupying forces from the 76th Guards Air Assault Division, also known as the "Pskov Airborne Division," may be involved in the shooting of Ukrainian prisoners of war in the Zaporizhzhia region. 

This information comes from Yurii Bielousov, the head of the Department for Combating Crimes in Armed Conflict Conditions at the Prosecutor General's Office, Rubryka reports, citing an interview with Radio Svoboda.

Bielousov stated that the identities of the deceased Ukrainian military have been identified and are currently being verified. The names will be disclosed later. The Prosecutor General's Office has not commented on the whereabouts of the bodies of the fallen defenders at this time.

The prosecutor's office has also identified possible suspects connected to the shooting of Ukrainian prisoners.

"We have reason to believe that the 76th Airborne Division of the Russian Federation is involved in committing this crime. However, we are currently verifying this information. This division is already known for war crimes committed in Ukraine, particularly in the Kyiv region," said Bielousov.

He noted that the video of the execution of the fighters reached the Prosecutor General's Office on December 16, the likely date of the shooting. On the same day, law enforcement agencies initiated an investigation.

Bielousov added that such behavior by the Russian military in the Zaporizhzhia region shows a pattern. Earlier, it was documented that Russians were using Ukrainian prisoners as human shields.

Later, the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed information that Russian occupiers had shot two unarmed Ukrainian soldiers.

Bielousov suggests that the Russian command may instruct its subordinates, as it is well aware of their actions.

Here's what we know about the shooting of Ukrainian prisoners

Recently, the Prosecutor General's Office reported another act of terrorism by Russian invaders. During a skirmish with Ukrainian fighters near the village of Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region, Russian occupiers captured three Ukrainian defenders.

Russians then executed Ukrainian prisoners of war. The Prosecutor General's Office initiated a criminal case for violating the laws and customs of war, combined with intentional homicide (Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

On March 12 of this year, the Security Service of Ukraine definitively identified and officially confirmed the identity of an Armed Forces defender whom Russian occupiers shot for saying "Glory to Ukraine."