Russia executed five Ukrainian POWs in Zaporizhzhya Oblast, prosecutors say

The office said investigators have opened a criminal probe into the apparent violation of the laws and customs of war. The statement added that the killings represent a severe breach of the Geneva Conventions and constitute a grave international crime.

The five soldiers were captured after enemy troops exploited an unexpected breach to flank the Ukrainian unit. According to Ukrainian military spokesperson Vladyslav Voloshyn, a botched troop rotation created a narrow gap in the line of contact.

“During a regrouping action, one [Ukrainian] unit withdrew unexpectedly, exposing one of the flanks,” Voloshyn told public broadcaster Suspilne on Nov. 27.

“The enemy flanked though the gap, exploiting weather conditions at the time [thick fog], approached one of our positions, and attacked … ”