Russian forces, following the onset of the offensive in the Kharkiv region, are forcibly detaining peaceful Ukrainians in a basement in the Vovchansk community.
This was reported by the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office on Telegram.
According to the investigation, during the offensive actions of the Russian army in the Vovchansk community, Russian forces forcibly detained and continue to hold people in the basement. Local residents were placed in the premises on May 11, 2024.
Some of them managed to escape and reach volunteers on May 13. Currently, people are safe.
The victims reported that during their stay in the basement, they overheard conversations of Russian military personnel about the need to shoot peaceful civilians.
They were also forced to provide medical assistance to the Russian forces.
The actions of the representatives of the aggressor state constitute a direct violation of the Convention for the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, signed in Geneva on August 12, 1949, by, among others, Ukraine and the Russian Federation.
The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine in the Kharkiv region.
It should be noted that Russian soldiers have been continuing their attempts to advance in the northern part of the Kharkiv region for several days. Last week, they invaded the region and began their offensive.