A brigade accused of committing war crimes in the Ukrainian city of Bucha received an honorary title from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In a letter signed on Monday, Putin congratulated Russia’s 64th Separate Guards Marines Brigade for its “great heroism and courage” and awarded the unit the title of “Guards” for “protecting Russia’s sovereignty.”
“This high distinction recognizes his special merits, great heroism and courage in defending his motherland and protecting Russia’s sovereignty and national interests,” Putin said in the letter.
“Through cunning and daring actions during the special military operation in Ukraine, the unit’s staff became a model in fulfilling their military duty, valor, dedication and professionalism,” the letter continued.
Earlier this month, mass graves filled with hundreds of murdered civilians – which CNN visited – were discovered in the cities of Bucha and Borodyanka after the withdrawal of Russian forces from the Kiev region.
In a statement released on April 4, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense named the military of the 64th Motorized Marines Brigade of Separated Guards as war criminals directly involved in the atrocities committed against civilians in Bucha.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has blamed Russia for the killings and urged Moscow to stop committing “war crimes”.
The Kremlin has denied any involvement in the mass killings, while reiterating baseless claims that images of civilian bodies in the streets of Bucha are false.
During a visit to Bucha and Borodyanka last week, International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan said there were “reasonable grounds to believe that crimes within the ICC’s jurisdiction are being committed.”
But Khan also warned that it would be “challenging” to ensure that justice is done in Ukraine, given Russia’s decision to withdraw its signature on an ICC statute that gives the court jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, crimes of war and crimes of aggression.
Russia does not extradite its citizens to other countries.
Source: CNN Brasil
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