Ukraine on Sunday accused Russian forces of carrying out the “deliberate massacre” of civilians in the town of Bucha, located northwest of the capital Kyiv, as more evidence of atrocities emerged following the withdrawal of Russian troops.GRAPHIC WARNING: This article contains graphic and disturbing images. Viewer discretion is advised.Allegations of Russian atrocities in Bucha have grown after the town was recaptured by Ukrainian forces, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowing to hold Russia accountable for the “genocide.”Ukrainian officials said the bodies of 410 civilians have been found in the town and its surroundings, including many that were found in mass graves, according to The Associated Press. Some of the bodies showed signs of torture, execution-style killings, and rape, Ukrainian officials said.Russia has denied the allegations, claiming that the images of dead bodies were “fakes” and part of a Ukrainian effort to “derail” peace talks between the two sides.In a statement, the Russian Defense Ministry said the images were “a provocation.” The ministry also claimed that the mayor of Bucha made no mention of civilian casualties in a video address on March 31, a day after Russian forces withdrew from the town. However, the Associated Press reported that the mayor did mention civilian casualties in his address.The Russian Defense Ministry also claimed that the bodies of civilians were being moved around the town by Ukrainian security services to create the appearance of a massacre. However, the Associated Press reported that the bodies were in the same positions when they were discovered by journalists.The allegations of Russian atrocities in Bucha have been condemned by world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, who called the killings a “war crime.” The United Nations has also launched an investigation into the alleged atrocities.The International Criminal Court (ICC) has also announced that it will investigate possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began on February 24.The ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, said in a statement that he was “deeply concerned” by the reports of atrocities in Bucha. Khan said that the ICC would “investigate these crimes, and we will hold accountable those responsible.”The alleged atrocities in Bucha have also raised concerns about the safety of civilians in other towns and cities that are still under Russian control. Ukrainian officials have warned that similar atrocities could be taking place in other areas, and they have called on the international community to do more to protect civilians.The allegations of Russian atrocities in Bucha are a reminder of the brutality of the war in Ukraine. The international community must continue to condemn these atrocities and hold Russia accountable for its actions..
Russia says Ukraine is faking alleged atrocities in Bucha to ‘derail’ peace talks
