Moscow Accuses Kyiv Forces Of Killing 22, Raping Women Before Executions In Village

Russia has accused Ukrainian troops of killing 22 civilians, including eight women who were allegedly raped before being executed, in the village of Russkoye Porechnoye, located near the Ukrainian border. Moscow’s Investigative Committee announced on Friday that it had expanded its investigation into the killings, which occurred between September and November last year. The bodies of the victims, including women and other residents, were reportedly found in the basements of homes. The committee’s statement highlighted the brutality of the actions and confirmed that the village had since been retaken by Russian forces.

This accusation comes after protracted conflict along the Russian-Ukrainian border, where Ukrainian forces have taken control of several border towns in Russia’s Kursk region since launching a surprise offensive in August. Despite Ukraine’s taking control of these areas, Russia has since regained several villages.

On the other hand, Russia has also made gains in the Donetsk region, where officials say they have captured the village of Novovasylivka. This push brings Russian troops nearer to the strategic Ukrainian logistics hub of Pokrovsk. The capture of this area, which remains partly unverified, would represent a key step in Russia’s push to complete its control over Donetsk. By battlefield maps, Ukrainian officials said Novovasylivka is mostly under Russian control. The situation in Pokrovsk and neighbouring Chasiv Yar remains critical, with Russia redoubling its efforts at taking these key towns.

In response, Ukraine’s General Staff reported repelling 71 attacks by Russian forces over a 24-hour period, focusing the majority of their efforts on the Pokrovsk area. The capture of Pokrovsk would further bolster Russia’s grip on Donetsk and could set the stage for further offensives toward the Dnipro region.