4 unarmed Ukrainian prisoners were allegedly executed by Russian troops despite a ceasefire coinciding with Orthodox Easter celebrations.
In keeping with a press release from the 14th army corps, Russian troops launched an attack on Ukrainian positions near the village of Vetarynarne within the Kharkiv region within the north west the country.
The assault led to the capture of 4 soldiers, who Russian forces executed on once they were unarmed, said the statement.
The 14th army corps, a unit within the Ukrainian army, wrote: ‘Russia proves once more that its army is a terrorist group for which no rules or laws exist.
‘The execution of prisoners has grow to be a systemic practice for the enemy, indicating conscious approval of such crimes by the Russian high command.’
Russia and Ukraine had announced a brief ceasefire on Saturday for Orthodox Easter, but each side have accused the opposite of 1000’s of violations.
Join for all of the most recent stories
Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.
Ukrainian forces said Russia had committed 2,299 violations for the reason that temporary truce began, including shooting the 4 unarmed soldiers. Russia said Ukraine had committed 1,971 violations, including three counter-attacks.
(Picture: via REUTERS)
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, had earlier written: ‘All of us understand who we’re coping with. Ukraine will adhere to the ceasefire and respond strictly in kind.
‘The absence of Russian strikes within the air, on land, and at sea will mean no response from our side.
‘The Ukrainian army is prepared for any developments on the frontline. Ukraine has repeatedly proposed various ceasefire formats to Russia, and we imagine that Easter needs to be a time of silence and safety.
‘A ceasefire on Easter could also grow to be the start of real movement toward peace – our side has made the corresponding proposal.’
Father Roman, a Ukrainian army chaplain who led the blessing ceremonies, described Easter as a moment of religion shared by Ukrainians of their identity and future.
‘We’re defending our borders. We’re defending our identity,” he said. “We’re a free individuals who survive this territory. We now have faith, deep traditions and historical heritage. It’s all in regards to the identity of Ukrainians.’
Get in contact with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
MORE: War book used to organize Brits for conflict since WW1 set to be revived – what’s inside?
MORE: UK warns Putin ‘we see you’ after 500 troops track Russian spy subs for a month
MORE: Cat and dog grow to be friends after they’re rescued from warzone by a drone