Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Thursday evening that a mass grave in the city of Izium, which his forces retook from the Russians a few days ago, was discovered as part of the Ukrainian counter-offensive in the Kharkiv region of eastern Ukraine. .
“We want the world to know what caused the occupation of Russia,” Zelensky said in his daily video message, without giving details on the number of bodies buried or the causes of death.
He also pointed to the beginning of the investigation and said: More confirmed and clear information is expected to reach us tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Zelenskiy compared the city of Izium to the cities of Bucha and Mariupol, which have become symbols of Russian crimes in Ukraine.
The President of Ukraine said: “Russia leaves behind death everywhere and must be held accountable in this regard.”
For his part, Serhiy Polvinov, chief police investigator in the Kharkiv region, explained that the cemetery that was found contained more than 440 bodies, adding that some of the bodies belonged to people killed in bombings and airstrikes.
He also confirmed that every body will be subjected to forensic examinations. He added: I can say that one of the biggest burial places in a big city has been opened in the liberated areas… 440 bodies are buried in one place.
In addition, he mentioned that some of the victims were killed by artillery fire and others by airstrikes.
It is worth noting that thousands of Russian troops withdrew from Izium earlier this week following a counterattack by Ukrainian forces to retake a number of areas in the Kharkiv region. This country was able to control a number of strategic cities that are the supply centers of weapons, equipment and supplies for the Russian forces.
This control of urban centers such as Kobyansk and Izium was a blow to Russia’s ability to deliver equipment to its front-line positions in the east, which after Moscow’s significant advance last spring had previously greatly reduced Russian control over eastern Ukraine. . Its progress is slowing down this summer, while much international support is pouring in from Kiev with advanced equipment and weapons.
Source: Lebanon Debate
