The occupiers executed 4 Ukrainian soldiers at the machine-building plant in Vovchansk

The occupiers executed 4 Ukrainian soldiers at the machine-building plant in Vovchansk

This was reported by the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

Prosecutors have initiated a pre-trial investigation for violations of the laws and customs of war, related to the intentional killing of four prisoners of war. These facts are being documented thanks to cooperation with the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

The investigation was prompted by interrogations of Russian prisoners of war, during which evidence of this crime was obtained.

According to the head of the department, Oleksandr Filchakov, investigating such crimes meets its challenges, especially due to combat activities that complicate access to the scene of events. However, this case is unique because a person who may become a suspect in this proceeding is also in Ukrainian captivity.

"This opens up the possibility of not using the absentee procedure but conducting a fair trial and delivering a sentence with real execution of punishment," Filchakov stated.

If the suspect is found guilty, they may be sentenced to life imprisonment.