Last month, the city of Boutcha had been the scene of atrocities committed by the Russian armed forces. Snapshots showed hundreds of bodies strewn on the ground in the streets of this kyiv suburb. Moscow is accused of having been guilty of many abominable acts.
Corpses were found with a bullet in the head, fists tied and bodies scarred by acts of torture. Cases of rape, sometimes of children, have also been reported. A mass grave was also discovered in which many bodies of civilians were thrown.
This massacre sparked international outrage.
For its part, the Kremlin had denied the accusations and had qualified the published images of falsification and set-up. According to Russia, the bodies were disposed of by the Ukrainians after the departure of the Russian forces. Satellite images, however, contradicted the Moscow version.
The “despicable 10”, rewarded by Moscow
This Thursday, April 28, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense shared the photos of the ten soldiers who are suspected of having perpetrated this tragedy. These would belong to the 64th motorized rifle brigade. They were personally awarded an honorary title by Vladimir Putin on April 18 for their “heroism, tenacity and courage shown in hostilities in defense of the homeland and state interests during armed conflicts”: “The Skillful and decisive actions of all personnel during the special military operation in Ukraine are a model of performance of military duty, courage, determination and high professionalism,” the Kremlin chief said.
Ukraine dubs these soldiers the “Despicable 10”: “The 10 Russian Butchers of the 64th Brigade have been identified and are suspected of being responsible for the Boutcha massacre. This unit was rewarded for its atrocities and later returned to the battlefield. Justice for war criminals is inevitable,” reads the publication of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.
No details were given as to the method used to identify them.