The Security Service of Ukraine has documented a new war crime committed by ruscists in Donetsk oblast. On 10 November this year, the occupiers attempted to storm Pokrovsk, using the city’s residents as ‘human shield’.

According to preliminary data, this involved the 1st motorised rifle battalion of the 506th motorised rifle regiment of the russian armed forces, which attacked the south-eastern outskirts of the city.

During the battle in a residential area, the assault group of this unit captured a local man, a woman and a 13-year-old child.

After that, the group received an order via radio to use civilians as cover in case of fire contact.

The occupiers forced the victims to walk in front of them while clearing buildings in the city.

Such actions by the russian occupation groupings violate the requirements of Article 28 of the Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War and qualify as war crimes.

Based on the facts uncovered, SSU investigators initiated criminal proceedings under Article 438.1 of the CCU (war crimes).

The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime and bring those involved to justice.

The investigation is carried out by the SSU Office in Donetsk and Luhansk regions under the procedural supervision of Donetsk Region Prosecutor’s Office.