HRW urges Ukraine to investigate potential ‘war crimes’

Human Rights Watch has urged Ukrainian authorities to investigate alleged war crimes following the release of video evidence showing its forces shooting Russian military detainees in the legs.

The video, which went viral on March 27, depicts three guys in fatigues with their wrists tied behind their backs being tossed to the ground by armed men who then shoot them in the legs.

While the footage’s veracity could not be independently confirmed, AFP was able to geolocate it to the town of Mala Rogan outside the northeastern city of Kharkiv, which Ukrainian troops had just regained following an attack.

On March 28, journalists were allowed to enter Mala Rogan and spotted the remains of two Russian troops lying on one of the village’s streets, which had been largely devastated by combat.

Two more victims were partially visible behind concrete fragments in a well.

“If confirmed, the beating and shooting of detained soldiers in their legs would constitute a war crime,” Human Rights Watch said late Thursday in a statement.

“Ukraine must demonstrate its ability and willingness to prevent and punish grave violations of international humanitarian law,” it added.

On Telegram, Ukrainian presidential advisor Oleksiy Arestovich stated that maltreatment of detainees is a war crime that should be punished.