Russians accused of carving swastikas on captured Ukrainians

A Ukrainian soldier named Serhiy, returning from Russian captivity, has reportedly been found mutilated with swastikas carved into his forehead, as disclosed by Dr. Olexandr Turkevich, who is treating him. The soldier, blindfolded during the ordeal, claimed Russian soldiers threatened to dismember him, citing accusations of fascism. Despite Russia framing its actions in Ukraine as a ‘Special Military Operation’ for de-Nazification, President Putin’s propaganda alleges Ukrainian genocide against Russian speakers and links the Ukrainian government to neo-Nazis. Dr. Turkevich emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the swastika carvings are ‘direct evidence’ of Russian-perpetrated genocide. The Neopalymi aesthetic medicine initiative has been instrumental in treating disfiguring injuries and torture suffered by Ukrainian servicemen, including the removal of Nazi branding. Serhiy, one of two soldiers treated for swastika brandings, received laser treatment to reduce scarring. The brutality extends beyond Serhiy, with reports of a woman allegedly tortured, raped, and killed, bearing a swastika branding. Russia faces accusations of war crimes during its campaign in Ukraine, with documented civilian deaths and mass graves in cities like Bucha and Irpin. Amnesty International has accused Russian forces of unlawfully killing civilians, demanding accountability for war crimes. The International Criminal Court’s member states are now obligated to detain and transfer Putin if he enters their territory, following an arrest warrant issued in March. At a meeting in London, Ukraine’s prosecutor general, Andriy Kostin, spoke of ‘ruthless’ attacks and ‘atrocities’ by Russian soldiers, emphasising a deliberate plan to destroy Ukraine and its identity. Investigations into over 72,000 incidents of war crimes have been initiated, revealing a grim picture of the impact of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The situation underscores the urgent need for international attention and intervention to address the escalating humanitarian crisis.