Under the procedural guidance of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Prosecutor's Office, on December 29, 2025, a criminal proceeding was initiated regarding the violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with intentional murder (Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

According to preliminary information, on December 20, 2025, Russian military forces in the Huliaipole direction of the Zaporizhzhia region, where active hostilities are ongoing, shot three defenders of Ukraine who had been captured.

Currently, all details of the criminal offense are being established, and initial investigative actions are being conducted.

The murder of prisoners of war is a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions and is classified as a serious international crime.

The pre-trial investigation in the criminal proceeding is being conducted by investigators of the Security Service of Ukraine in the Zaporizhzhia region.

Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in a lawful manner and established by a court verdict.