Russia leverages execution of POWs to intimidate, provoke Ukraine

Military expert Oleksandr Kovalenko expressed this opinion on his Telegram channel.

One more execution of captured Ukrainian soldiers by the Russian army was documented near the Pokrovsk area. This is neither the first nor the last occurrence, as such actions have become systematic, indicating they are sanctioned by the highest command.

It’s important to understand that prisoners are, in fact, a valuable resource, as they allow for exchanges to secure the return of their own captives. At first glance, there seems to be no logic in executing prisoners, as it diminishes the pool for exchanges. However, there is a twisted logic - brutal, inhumane, and barbaric.

Purposes of executions:

• Intimidation. By executing prisoners, the invading Russian forces aim to instill fear in Ukrainian soldiers, sending a chilling message about their fate if Russian forces take their positions. This psychological tactic reinforces the narrative: “We don’t take prisoners!” - a strategy to pressure soldiers to abandon their positions upon seeing advancing Russian assault groups.
• Provoke retaliation. The Russians seek to provoke the Ukrainian Armed Forces into retaliatory actions. They want Ukraine to respond with similar executions of captured Russian soldiers, which they can then use to convene the UN Security Council and accuse Ukraine of war crimes. The Russian side has no regard for conventions, human rights, or other international norms, but they are eager to discredit Ukraine in the eyes of the international community and push it toward acts of revenge.

This is why such executions, tragically, have occurred, are occurring, and will continue. It is a vicious cycle of bloody war crimes that will only end when the bloody remnants of this empire are defeated.

"The purpose of these actions is clear. And all that can be said is this: monsters. Not humans. Just monsters," Kovalenko writes.

• Ukrainian law enforcement investigates 49 criminal proceedings over the killing of 124 prisoners of war on the battlefield.