Ukraine has launched an investigation into the alleged “execution” of two Ukrainian soldiers by Russian forces. Near the town of Avdiivka, someone shot and killed the Ukrainian soldiers as they surrendered. Russian service personnel gunned down one soldier at close range, as shown in disturbing video footage, after he raised his arms in surrender.
The incident occurred in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, where heavy fighting has been taking place. Ukraine’s parliament speaker, Ruslan Stefanchuk, condemned the act as another crime committed by Russian terrorists and a violation of the rules of war. He criticized Russia for disregarding international laws and norms.
The soldiers who were killed belonged to Ukraine’s 45th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade. They reportedly left their frontline dugout after running out of ammunition. Unconfirmed reports indicated that those responsible for the shooting, who were Russians, were also killed shortly after.
Russia’s military command has been conducting a major offensive against Avdiivka since October, aiming to encircle the town. While they have made some progress, including capturing an industrial zone in the south and advancing in nearby villages, they have not yet achieved a breakthrough.
The mayor of Avdiivka’s military administration, Vitaliy Barabash, stated that Ukrainian troops have been holding firm despite the Russian advance. He attributed the slowdown to factors such as significant losses on the Russian side and adverse snowy conditions, which have resulted in fewer volunteers willing to engage in assaults.
Decrease in Russian attacks
Ukraine’s military spokesperson confirmed a decrease in Russian attacks on Avdiivka in the past 24 hours. Ukraine still maintains control over a coking plant, which serves as a crucial defensive hub. The enemy forces attempting to breach the plant have faced losses in infantry and equipment.
Avdiivka, once home to approximately 25,000 people, now has only around 1,500 residents who endure daily Russian air and artillery strikes. The town has suffered extensive destruction, with practically all residential buildings damaged.
The mayor compared the situation in Avdiivka to that of Maryinka, a nearby settlement heavily affected by ongoing fighting. According to the mayor, ongoing fighting has reduced Maryinka to rubble. However, Russian state media claimed that the Russian army had successfully conquered Maryinka, which Ukrainian officials denied.
The Kremlin is aiming to advance across the entire eastern Donbas region.In addition to targeting the Avdiivka salient, they are seeking to strengthen their positions in Bakhmut and regain control of the town of Kupiansk, which Ukrainian forces lost in a counteroffensive last year.
The ongoing fighting in Ukraine raises concerns about the level of support from Europe. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed worries about the “critical situation” in Ukraine and the possibility of it worsening due to insufficient assistance from western countries.
