February 24, 2025 became another tragic milestone for Ukraine – new evidence of a possible war crime committed by Russian occupiers on the Kursk direction has emerged. This time, it concerns the deliberate killing of Ukrainian prisoners of war, as stated by the Human Rights Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubinets.
This incident sparked outrage among Ukrainians and the international community. The Ukrainian authorities have already appealed to the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross to initiate an urgent investigation.
New evidence of a war crime: what is known now?
Dmytro Lubinets reported that a video of the alleged killing of Ukrainian prisoners of war is actively circulating on social media. According to one of the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the victims are defenders from the 82nd separate airborne assault brigade.
The footage shows a Russian occupier purposefully shooting an unarmed Ukrainian soldier in the head. The ombudsman emphasized that this incident is another proof of the cruelty and inhumanity of Russian military personnel who knowingly violate the norms of international humanitarian law.
Violation of the Geneva Convention: what do international laws say?
The killing of prisoners of war is a serious violation of the Geneva Convention of 1949, which guarantees protection for individuals captured during armed conflicts. According to international law, such actions are classified as a war crime, for which the perpetrators must be held accountable at the international level.
This incident is far from the first. In January 2025, a similar case was already recorded – Russian military officers executed six Ukrainian prisoners of war on the front line. A video lasting over three minutes showed the moment when Ukrainian defenders were on the ground without weapons, offering no resistance. Russian occupiers ordered them to “lie down and shut up,” after which they shot the prisoners.
Why does this crime cause international resonance?
These events are further evidence that Russian forces systematically violate international agreements, including the Geneva Conventions that are meant to protect the lives of prisoners during wartime.
Ukraine has already appealed to the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross to intervene and conduct an independent investigation. The Ukrainian authorities also urge the global community to take concrete measures to hold the guilty parties accountable.
This incident not only confirms the extent of Russia’s war crimes but also demonstrates the urgent need for action by the international community.
What’s next? How is the world community reacting?
It is expected that international human rights organizations will be involved in investigating this incident. The Ukrainian side hopes for an increase in sanctions pressure on Russia and for holding the guilty parties accountable in international courts.
Every documented military crime must be investigated, and the guilty parties must be punished according to international law. Ukraine continues to fight not only for its independence but also for justice for every fallen soldier.
Conclusion: why it’s important not to stay silent?
This incident is yet another reminder of the cruel reality of war. Every crime, every death must be recorded and investigated. Ukraine calls on the world not to remain indifferent and to support the fight for justice and compliance with international humanitarian law.
Only through the combined efforts at the international level can the perpetrators be brought to justice and prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
