Prisoners execution in Avdiivka: Ukrainian forces unveil details of Russian assault on Zenit position

In the Ukrainian Armed Forces, details of the Russian attack on the Zenit position have been revealed (Photo: nab_ukraine)

The departure of Ukrainian troops from the Zenit position on the outskirts of Avdiivka occurred under continuous bombardment by enemy aircraft. During negotiations, the enemy agreed to evacuate the wounded soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and proceed with the exchange, reports the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Major General Mark Bezruchko on Facebook.

The personnel of the 110th Brigade evacuated from Avdiivka amid continuous bombardment by enemy aircraft and artillery shelling, constant attacks by FPV drones, and assaults on evacuation vehicles, as well as shelling of evacuation routes. Despite efforts, several critically wounded and killed soldiers could not be evacuated.

Due to the rapid and massive Russian advance, the Zenit stronghold was surrounded. Therefore, a decision was made to engage with coordinating centers and organizations negotiating with the enemy. It was agreed that Ukrainian military personnel would receive assistance in accordance with international rules of war and laws protecting prisoners of war.

The Russians informed the coordinators of this process that they agreed to evacuate wounded Ukrainian soldiers and provide them with assistance, followed by an exchange. Consequently, Ukrainian military personnel received orders to preserve their lives.

Subsequently, it was learned from enemy sources that Heorhii Pavlov, Andrii Dubnytskyi, and Ivan Zhytnyk were recognized as deceased from the captured Zenit position. According to our information, Oleksandr Zinchuk and Mykola Savosik were also reportedly shot by the enemy. Information regarding the sixth soldier remains unconfirmed, likely from an attached unit.

The brigade also stated that the Russian Armed Forces are terrorists and war criminals who shot unarmed wounded individuals. Relevant authorities will investigate and establish the truth regarding the violation of laws and customs of war combined with deliberate killing.

Situation in Avdiivka

According to the prosecutor’s office, on February 18, a message was published on a Telegram channel about the shooting of six captured Ukrainian soldiers at one of the positions in Avdiivka. The defenders were critically wounded and awaited evacuation.

Situation in Vesele

In addition, a video was found showing the killing of two more soldiers near the village of Vesele in the Bakhmut district. The drone footage shows a representative of the Russian Armed Forces shooting at point-blank range first at one captured Ukrainian soldier and then at another during the assault on our positions.

“Refusing to leave the captives alive, the occupier intentionally finishes them off with automatic weapons,” the prosecutor’s office emphasizes.

Summary

Earlier, it became known that Russian troops shot six captured Ukrainian soldiers during the withdrawal from the Zenit position in Avdiivka. Brigade General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, commander of the operational-strategic grouping of forces Tavria, stated that the Defense Forces were withdrawing from the Zenit position on the outskirts of Avdiivka.

According to him, the decision to withdraw was made to preserve personnel and improve the operational situation.

Withdrawal of Ukrainian Armed Forces from Avdiivka

On the night of February 17, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced the decision to withdraw Ukrainian troops from Avdiivka, which was under threat of enemy encirclement.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, President Zelenskyy called the decision to withdraw troops from Avdiivka correct and professional but criticized allies for inadequate assistance to Ukraine, which led to such a situation.

For more on the withdrawal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from Avdiivka and its impact on the front, read the material by RBC-Ukraine.