Images from independent news agencies and numerous local people paint a horrific picture of events in the Kiev suburb of Bucha. But Russia doesn’t want to hear about it. Moscow denies any responsibility for the atrocities – even blaming the US for the shooting.
Russia follows accusations against Ukraine of manipulating images of civilians killed in Bucha. Russian lead investigator Alexander Bastrykin announced on Monday an official investigation into what he described as a “provocation” in Ukraine. An investigation is now set to be launched over allegations that Ukraine “deliberately disseminated false information” about Russian forces in Bucha.
‘US wants to damage Moscow’s reputation’
Russia accuses the US and NATO of manipulation in relation to the photos of the dead in Bucha. Western statements immediately after the release indicated that “the news was ordered,” said Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry. This is intended to damage Russia’s reputation.
“Who is behind the provocation? The US and NATO, of course,” Zakharova said in a televised interview that aired late Sunday night.
“Further Staged Provocation”
In addition, she took the West’s rapid outcry over the incident as evidence of the alleged Western conspiracy. “The fact that this information was provided within minutes of the images surfaced leaves no doubt as to who ordered this story,” Zakharova said. Zakharova brought no evidence for the allegations. Russia had previously described the photos from Bucha as “further staged provocation by the regime in Kiev”.
Lavrov speaks of ‘fictional attack’
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made a similar statement: It was a “fictional attack” aimed at discrediting Russia, Lavrov said Monday, according to the TASS news agency. He accused Ukraine of staging the situation in the city.
Zelenskyj fears ‘worse things’
Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities are investigating possible Russian war crimes. Hundreds of bodies were found in Bucha, 37 kilometers northwest of Kiev, after Russian troops withdrew. A Reuters reporter saw the body of a man by the side of the road with his hands tied behind his back and a gunshot wound to the head.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke of genocide and said he feared “even worse things could happen” than what is known so far about the crimes in Bucha. Until recently, the city was under Russian control.
Countless bodies found
In any case, everything so far indicates that Russian troops deliberately killed the civilians in cold blood. More than 300 civilian bodies have already been recovered, according to Ukrainian media. By Sunday evening, 330 to 340 lifeless bodies had already been collected, Ukrajinska Pravda newspaper reported Monday, referring to a funeral service.
The city’s deputy mayor is also talking about similar numbers: 50 of the approximately 340 bodies found were the victims of extrajudicial killings by Russian troops, Taras Shapravskyi explains. The search for more victims continued Monday. Some bodies were buried in backyards, it said.
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.
