Investigation launched as video reveals Russian troops using Ukrainian POWs as human shields during assaults

A criminal case has been opened for the violation of the laws and customs of war (Article 438 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code). Russian troops in the Zaporizhzhya sector are suspected of using Ukrainian prisoners of war as "human shields," thereby violating international humanitarian law.

Currently, investigative (search) actions are ongoing, with Ukraine’s SBU security service conducting a pre-trial investigation in Zaporizhzhya Oblast.

Radio Svoboda had published the video, which was shot by Ukrainian defenders in the area of Robotyne, in the Zaporizhzhya sector of the front. The footage shows Russian soldiers advancing toward Ukrainian positions, firing while hiding behind Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets asserted that this action by the Russian Federation constitutes a violation of another Geneva Convention.