SSU releases interrogation of Russian soldier who shot Ukrainian POWs in Kursk region
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has released a video of the interrogation of Russian soldier Serhiy Skobelyov, who is suspected of executing nine Ukrainian prisoners of war during fighting in Kursk region in October 2024, the SBU reported.
According to investigators, in October 2024 Skobelyov commanded an assault group of Russian soldiers ordered to attack Ukrainian positions in Kursk region. The unit caught Ukrainian troops by surprise, resulting in nine soldiers being taken prisoner.
After capturing the Ukrainians, they were forced to undress and lie on the ground. According to the SBU, the Russian soldiers lied to the prisoners, claiming they would be exchanged, in order to prevent any resistance.
Subsequently, under orders from their immediate commander, Skobelyov and an accomplice shot all the prisoners with personal weapons. The occupiers then took the mobile phones and radios of the deceased Ukrainian soldiers.
A week after committing the crime, Skobelyov himself was captured. Initially, he denied guilt, but SBU investigators collected evidence of his involvement.
“The committed act constitutes a grave violation of the Geneva Convention and other international documents regulating the treatment of prisoners of war. He is to be formally charged. The perpetrator will face severe punishment,” the SBU stated.
On 19 January, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, following a report from the SBU’s First Deputy Head Oleksandr Poklad, confirmed that Ukrainian intelligence had captured a Russian soldier involved in the shooting of Ukrainian defenders in Kursk region, emphasising that the occupier will be held accountable.
The execution took place on 10 October 2024 near the settlement of Zelenyi Shlyakh in Kursk region. Ukrainian forces were unaware that their positions had already been occupied by the enemy. With limited ammunition, they were forced to surrender, but Russian soldiers executed them.
The crime became known on 13 October 2024, when analysts from the DeepState service, citing data from the 1st Separate Tank Brigade, reported it. The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine has opened a criminal investigation into the war crime committed by Russian forces.
