Execution of Ukrainian Soldier by Sword by Russian Forces in Donetsk Region Confirmed

The execution of a Ukrainian prisoner of war (POW) by sword in Novohrodivka, Donetsk region, has been verified through a joint investigation by VoxCheck analysts and Suspilne.

By analyzing photos and videos from various OSINT channels and cross-referencing them with data from Google Earth, the team was able to identify the location of the execution. This finding was later confirmed by Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office.

Denys Lysenko, head of the Department for Combating Crimes Committed in Armed Conflict, noted that law enforcement officials are working to determine the exact date of the execution and to identify the Ukrainian POW involved.

According to reports, the Russian forces executed the soldier, driving a sword inscribed with the words 'For Kursk' into the Ukrainian soldier. The SSU in Donetsk and Luhansk regions is leading the pre-trial investigation.

The Donetsk Regional Prosecutor’s Office reported on Telegram: “The released photos show that the occupiers stuck a sword with the inscription 'For Kursk' into a serviceman of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. The slain soldier is seen without his equipment, and one of his hands is bound with sticky tape.”

The execution is being treated as a violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with intentional murder, under Part 2 of Article 438 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code.

Denys Lysenko confirmed that the execution took place in Novohrodivka, Donetsk region.

“We are currently working to establish the exact time of the event. We have identified the location and are now focusing on identifying the victim and those responsible for the crime,” Lysenko stated.

He also emphasized that all individuals involved, from the executors to the commanders who ordered the execution, would be prosecuted.

According to the analytics, a damaged armored personnel carrier (APC) is visible in the background of the images. OSINT channels that track equipment losses showed similar photos and videos of a destroyed APC in the same location, which were published on September 1. Another video posted by Russian sources on September 8 also showed the same APC in Novohrodivka.

The analysis further revealed white debris near a pedestrian crossing in the video, matching the debris seen near the executed soldier in the photos. OSINT channels were able to pinpoint the exact location of the destroyed APC.

VoxCheck also compared the building in the background of the image with Google Earth data, finding several matching features such as the facade color and balcony design.

The Ukrainian soldier was presumably executed in September, but the exact date has yet to be confirmed. VoxCheck analysts were unable to determine when or by whom the soldier was executed but confirmed that the location was Novohrodivka in the Donetsk region.

The Prosecutor General’s Office has already launched 36 criminal proceedings related to the potential execution of Ukrainian POWs following their capture. Investigators are focused on collecting evidence and holding those responsible accountable for war crimes.