As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, Kyiv announced on Thursday that Russian forces had executed four Ukrainian servicemen who were captured in the eastern Donetsk region. This allegation marks the latest in a series of war crime accusations directed at Moscow amid the ongoing conflict

The Ukrainian prosecutor general's office reported that four National Guard servicemen were captured on October 6 near Selydove in the Donetsk region, where Russian forces are making advances.

"The next day, the Defense Forces regained their lost positions and found the bodies of the killed Ukrainian servicemen during a search operation," the prosecutor general said in a statement.

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"The murder of prisoners of war constitutes a severe breach of the Geneva Conventions and is categorised as a serious international crime," stated the prosecutor general, noting that an investigation into the incident has been initiated.

Moscow, Kyiv Blame Each Other For Executing Prisoners Of War

Both Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other's forces of executing prisoners of war, with Ukrainian officials alleging that Russian troops killed over 100 Ukrainian prisoners in their custody this month. These claims are part of an ongoing series of reports from Kyiv detailing incidents of alleged executions of Ukrainian soldiers by Russian forces.

Last week, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 190 prisoners of war in a deal facilitated by the United Arab Emirates. The exchange, which took place late Friday, involved each side releasing 95 prisoners.

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Russia's Defence Ministry has reported the capture of the villages of Serebrianka and Mykolaivka in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. While Ukraine’s military did not confirm the loss of these villages, they stated that intense fighting continues in the area, claiming to have repelled 12 Russian attacks around Serebrianka. Heavy combat is also ongoing in towns near Pokrovsk, which is the next significant logistical target in the Russian advance in Donetsk.