MOSCOW (dpa-AFX) – After the withdrawal of Russian troops from the Ukrainian city of Bucha, President Vladimir Putin honored soldiers who were deployed there. The Kremlin chief honored the 64th motorized infantry brigade in Moscow on Monday for special merits, heroism and bravery, as the Kremlin announced. Images of slain Ukrainian civilians from the suburbs of the capital Kyiv caused horror around the world earlier this month. A total of more than 400 bodies were found in Bucha, some with their hands tied behind their backs.
Ukraine is therefore accusing the Russian soldiers of the most serious war crimes. The Ukrainian secret service spoke of “mass murder” committed by members of the 64th Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 35th Army of the Russian Federation. Russia denies having anything to do with the atrocities. International investigations are now underway. There are numerous calls for those responsible to be brought before an international court.
According to the Kremlin, Putin praised the “savvy and resolute actions” of the soldiers in the course of the “special military operation,” as the war is called in Russia. They had shown courage and a high level of professionalism in an exemplary manner. “I am convinced that you soldiers and officers are guards, will continue to keep the oath, serve the homeland with honor and reliably protect the security and peaceful life of our citizens,” the President was quoted as saying./mau/DP/he