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Vlad's troops film PoWs on death march before sick mock execution

03 June 2024 , 10:42
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The UN has been asked to investigate the disturbing video
The UN has been asked to investigate the disturbing video

HARROWING footage shows the sick reality of Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine, as Russian troops lead Ukrainian prisoners to a mock execution.

Four blindfolded soldiers held captive by Russian troops were filmed as they were beaten, threatened, and marched through a forest near the frontline.

Shameless unmasked Russian soldiers lead Ukrainian PoWs on a death march rridzziqddidqrprw
Shameless unmasked Russian soldiers lead Ukrainian PoWs on a death marchCredit: East2West
A Russian troop kicks a Ukrainian PoW in the groin, causing him to fall to the ground
A Russian troop kicks a Ukrainian PoW in the groin, causing him to fall to the groundCredit: East2West
A cruel Russian soldier shoots into the dirt track, inches from the fallen man's head
A cruel Russian soldier shoots into the dirt track, inches from the fallen man's headCredit: East2West
The Russian soldiers grin from ear to ear throughout the harrowing ordeal
The Russian soldiers grin from ear to ear throughout the harrowing ordealCredit: East2West

As the Ukrainian soldiers marched in a row - gripping onto each others' shoulders - the five Russian troops tried to make them sing the Soviet national anthem.

One cruel captor kicked the leading Ukrainian in the groin, causing him to fall to the ground, where he was then kicked in the head.

A Russian soldier, reportedly a paratrooper, demanded that the fallen PoW get up, then said: "Looks like we're gonna have to kill him.

Putin accused of surrounding himself with same 'actors' at series of eventsPutin accused of surrounding himself with same 'actors' at series of events

"Do we have to kill him? Hey, get up, get up."

The cruel fighter raised his Russian army Kalashnikov rifle and shot into the dirt track within inches of the prostrate PoW's head in a mock execution.

One of the Russian soldiers turned the camera back to his own face after the gun fired and frowned.

The shameless torturers' faces were uncovered and the video was shared on a pro-war Z-channel on Telegram, claiming that the act was "a bit of a laugh about the Ukrainians... nothing major".

The Russian channel added that its compatriot solders were "high on adrenaline", and asked: "Have you been to a battle? Have you lost combat comrades?"

It continued to say the torture was "a bit of a laugh about the Ukrainians, a bit of a joke, nothing major.

"We reminded them about their Big Motherland [the Soviet Union]."

What happened to the Ukrainian men after the recording finished - and the identities of the torturers - is unclear.

Ukrainian ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said the footage showed Russian soldiers "mocking Ukrainian prisoners of war".

He said: "According to preliminary information, this happened in the Kharkiv direction, where the Russians are currently trying to conduct offensive actions.

Catholics across the world pray for Pope Benedict XVI as his body lies in stateCatholics across the world pray for Pope Benedict XVI as his body lies in state

"The video recorded beatings, humiliation, threats, and an imitation of a shooting.

"Unfortunately, such treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war is not an exception to the rules, but a common tactic for the occupiers."

The ombudsman added the incident should be recorded as "further evidence of violation of international humanitarian law by the Russian Federation".

He said: "I sent official letters to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations so that they would document the fact of abuse.

"This will be another addition to the evidence base for the future tribunal over [war] criminals.

"Russia does not observe any rules of warfare and is not at all shy about demonstrating its cruel and inhumane actions.

"The world must react to hold Russia accountable, otherwise the right of might will defeat the might of right."

Ukrainian Telegram channel Pravda Gerashchenko vowed that the Ukrainian Defence Forces would find the "scum" "terrorists" who did not bother to cover their faces, or hope for impunity.

The Russian channel which posted the confronting video claimed none of the Ukrainians were injured in the video.

It said: "As for those, who don't want to die for [Ukrainian President] Zelensky, we are waiting for you with our arms open.

"With love, Your paratroopers."

Four captive Ukrainian soldiers are led through a forest near the frontline
Four captive Ukrainian soldiers are led through a forest near the frontlineCredit: East2West
The blindfolded men grip onto each others' shoulders
The blindfolded men grip onto each others' shouldersCredit: East2West
One Ukrainian man falls and seems unable to get up
One Ukrainian man falls and seems unable to get upCredit: East2West
A Ukrainian military tank fires during military training as war continues in Donetsk Oblast
A Ukrainian military tank fires during military training as war continues in Donetsk OblastCredit: Getty
Fire rages after a Ukrainian soldier fires Msta-B artillery at his fighting position in the direction of Liman, Ukraine
Fire rages after a Ukrainian soldier fires Msta-B artillery at his fighting position in the direction of Liman, UkraineCredit: Getty

Jessica Baker

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