Ukrainians were hiding in the basement of a residential building when two Russian soldiers broke in. Two civilians — a father and son — came out to them. The Russians demanded alcohol. When told there was none, the occupiers opened fire and killed the father and son.

This was reported on the evening of December 29 by the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets.

“After killing the father and son, the Russians went down to the basement and shot other people there. As a result, an entire family was among the dead — a married couple, their son, and the woman’s mother. Only one wounded person survived by pretending to be dead. This likely occurred on the night of December 21.

This case shocks with its cruelty and cynicism. I have already sent official letters to the ICRC and the UN. The whole world must see the faces of Russian soldiers who came to kill civilians!

I emphasize that the events in Pokrovsk are not isolated. They fit into a systematic practice of violence used by Russian forces against civilians in temporarily occupied and frontline territories of Ukraine. Deliberate killings of civilians are a gross violation of international humanitarian law and a war crime.

We know well: impunity for such actions means only one thing — their repetition. Therefore, action is needed here and now.

I also separately urge citizens: please do not delay decisions — evacuate in time. I understand how difficult such decisions are. But this is a chance to save lives”, — Lubinets said.