The commander of a unit of the Russian Armed Forces gave an order to mutilate the bodies of dead Ukrainian soldiers.
This was reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
According to available information, on May 12, 2026, in the Huliaipole direction, servicemen of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment were ambushed by an infiltrated enemy group. Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed in the engagement.
The General Staff said that in an intercepted radio conversation, the Russian commander can be heard ordering that the heads of the dead be cut off “for confirmation” and left in a visible location near the field.
His subordinate confirmed readiness to carry out the order.
The General Staff said the incident demonstrates extreme brutality by Russian forces and a disregard for international humanitarian law.
The mutilation of bodies of deceased servicemen is a serious violation of the laws and customs of war and constitutes a war crime with no statute of limitations.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces said such incidents are not isolated. Behind each case are specific perpetrators and commanders.
The unit whose personnel are allegedly involved in the crime has been preliminary identified.
According to the General Staff, the order was given by a commander who had previously been implicated in cases involving abuse of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
The General Staff said all those involved will be identified and brought to justice.
