After hundreds of civilian bodies have been found in the eastern Ukrainian city of Izyum, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for Moscow to be punished. The world should not watch as the “terror state” kills and tortures Russia. There is “clear evidence of torture and degrading treatment of people”.
Currently, more than 440 graves have been found near Izyum in the Kharkiv region. “It is too early to say anything about the number of people buried there. Investigations are ongoing,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his daily video message Friday evening. However, there are indications that Russian soldiers fired at the burials “just for fun”.
Travel bans and distance
Russia must now be punished with even tougher sanctions. The Ukrainian president spoke out in favor of travel bans for Russians in the EU and called on companies to turn away from opponents of the war. “If a state takes the path of terror, it is the duty of a self-respecting company to distance itself from such a state,” Zelenskyy said.
Governments of other countries, such as the US and Austria, demanded that those responsible for the many deaths in Izyum be held accountable. They promised to help Ukraine document Russian war crimes and atrocities. It is not yet clear whether this case was actually a war crime. According to preliminary findings, civilians were killed when Russia fired heavily at the city in late March.
In his speech, Zelenskyj welcomed the fact that the United Nations now wants to send experts to Izyum to investigate the crimes. “We will ensure that the world has access to tell the world that Russianism must be condemned.” Dozens of people are currently working to recover the bodies. This Saturday they will be specially honored by the president.
Medical students rescued from basement
In late March, following the withdrawal of Russian troops, hundreds of dead civilians were found in the Kiev suburb of Bucha, some of whom showed signs of torture. Torture chambers are said to have been found in towns and villages in Kharkov after the army withdrew. Seven medical students from Sri Lanka who, according to Zelenskyj, had already been locked in a cellar in March, could now have been rescued.
Despite the defeat in the Kharkov region, the Russian army has announced that it will continue fighting “until all objectives are achieved”.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
