Key facts
- Russian forces accused of executing Ukrainian POWs in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
- Alleged executions occurred on the Huliaipole front.
- Intercepted radio communications allegedly show orders to kill wounded Ukrainian soldiers.
- Ukrainian officials believe two unarmed POWs were killed.
- Troops from the 38th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade are believed to be involved.
- Colonel Valery Kazak allegedly issues such orders within the brigade.
Russian forces are accused of executing Ukrainian prisoners of war on the Huliaipole front in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a Ukrainian military spokesperson told Ukrainska Pravda on October 17. Maksym Kravchuk, spokesperson for Ukraine's Southern Forces Group, stated that Ukrainian forces intercepted radio communications between Russian soldiers during the alleged executions. The communications reportedly contained instructions to "take them out immediately," leading to the killing of what Ukrainian officials believe were two unarmed POWs. The incident is believed to have occurred several days prior to the public allegations, though the exact date and location have not been disclosed. The soldiers involved are thought to belong to the 38th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, with Colonel Valery Kazak alleged to be the source of such orders. The Ukrainian military has submitted the intercepted communications and related materials to law enforcement authorities. This is not the first such accusation; in November 2025, five Ukrainian soldiers were reportedly executed near Zelenyi Hai, an event later confirmed by Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office. According to figures from Ukraine's Human Rights Ombudsman in August 2026, at least 345 Ukrainian soldiers have been executed by Russian forces since the full-scale invasion began.