“The world must learn the truth about Russian war crimes and the murder of innocent civilians,” European Union Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova wrote in a post on Facebook on 31st March about the Bucha tragedy.
This city in the Kyiv region was under Russian occupation from 5th to 31st March 2022.
She also took part in a memorial ceremony, together with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, his wife Olena, Speaker of the Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk, Prime Minister Denys Shmygal, speakers of parliaments from 20 European countries and the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Martin Hojsik.
“Three years ago, the Russians massacred 381 women, children, and men in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha. Another 200 were killed in the surrounding area… People were murdered randomly, up close, without reason, and without remorse.
“Russia wanted to take Kyiv. But they underestimated the strength of Ukrainian resistance and incredible heroism of locals. Ukrainians stopped them with a massive drone offensive. Perhaps that enraged the Russians – and drove them to commit damnable massacres of hundreds of civilians,” Mathernova wrote.
She added the EU and international bodies were actively supporting Ukraine in investigating and prosecuting war crimes committed since the Russian invasion, with about €75 million allocated to these efforts.
“To this day, Bucha remains a place where Russian atrocities are being documented,” Mathernova posted.
Story/Image: EU Neighbours East
