Ukraine probes alleged Russian execution of soldier with sword in Kursk

Ukrainian prosecutors have initiated an investigation into the alleged execution of a Ukrainian soldier, whose body was discovered with a sword inscribed with the words 'for Kursk.' This incident is believed to be a retaliatory act following Ukraine's recent military actions in the Kursk region, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. The soldier was found in Novohrodivka, a city in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, with evidence suggesting he was unarmed and bound at the time of his death. The image of the soldier, which has circulated online, depicts him lying on a road with a medieval-style sword protruding from his chest, raising serious concerns about the treatment of prisoners of war. Ukraine's prosecutor general, Andriy Kostin, condemned the act as barbaric and indicative of Russia's ongoing campaign to eliminate Ukrainian identity and values. He emphasized that the incident reflects a broader pattern of violence against Ukrainian servicemen. Ukraine's human rights commissioner highlighted that such actions violate the Geneva Convention, which mandates the humane treatment of prisoners of war. The investigation is part of a larger effort by Ukrainian authorities to address nearly 130,000 alleged war crimes committed by Russian forces since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. As the conflict intensifies, with Russia reportedly mobilizing up to 70,000 troops in the Kursk region, the situation remains precarious. Ukrainian forces have been actively defending against Russian advances, particularly near Pokrovsk, where recent fighting has led to multiple thwarted attacks. The Kremlin has yet to respond to the allegations surrounding the execution.