Zelensky accuses Russia of ‘hiding victims’ after Butsha
Since the international criticism of the Butya massacre, Russia has changed tactics and “the bodies of Ukrainian victims are being hidden”. Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky said so in his daily video message. Despite this, he remains optimistic that the truth will always come out.
Zelensky says he has information that bodies are being taken from the streets and basements by Russian troops in an attempt to destroy evidence. He says thousands of Ukrainians are already missing. “They were killed or deported to Russia, there is no other option,” Zelensky said.
According to Zelensky, “witness statements, satellite images and independent investigations” can determine who is responsible for the disappearance of Ukrainian citizens.
The discovery of hundreds of civilians killed in Butja after the retreat of the Russians was called “near genocide” by the British Prime Minister on Wednesday. The Kremlin vehemently denies having anything to do with the civilian deaths and says it was staged by Ukraine. The latter has been debunked by satellite images analyzed by The New York Times, which show people killed during the Russian occupation of Butja.