DISINFO: Alleged “mass graves” found in Izium are a Bucha-like provocation of Ukraine
SUMMARY
The story of Bucha-2.0 is clear evidence that along with the development of the military conflict in Ukraine, the information special operation against Russia is also intensifying.
The provocation with allegedly discovered "mass graves of the victims of Russian aggressors" in Izium is a primitive fake and can be easily refuted. But from this unanimous reaction of the West, it is clear that it absolutely does not matter to anyone [in the West]. The "culprit" was appointed in advance - and it should be Russia. Because only this verdict fits into the overall strategy of the current campaign in Ukraine.
RESPONSE
The material and links may contain distressing/ graphic content.
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative aiming to deflect Russia's responsibility away from the actions committed in the course its invasion of Ukraine.
In reality, there is ample evidence of Russian involvement in mass killings and torture of civilians during the Russian occupation of the eastern Ukrainian city of Izium and surrounding places. Investigators are uncovering more evidence of war crimes, as calls for an international inquiry growing louder.
Kharkiv regional prosecutor Olexander Ilyenkov says there is no doubt war crimes have been committed here. "In the first grave, there is a civilian who has a rope over her neck. So we see the traces of torture," he told the BBC.
He said almost everyone died because of Russian soldiers. "Some of them were killed, some were tortured, some were killed because of Russian Federation air and artillery strikes."
Ukrainian police say there are 445 new graves at the site, but some contain more than one body. Many are said to be civilians, women and children among them.
It is not the first time Russian forces are accused of committing war crimes in Ukraine. Earlier bodies of tortured and executed civilians were found in Bucha and Irpin, cities liberated from Russian occupation in the spring.
After months of meticulous, painful and at times gruesome investigation, officials in Bucha said in August that they had reached what may be the closest they will get to a final accounting of victims of the murderous rampage by Russian troops that set off worldwide outrage over alleged atrocities: 458 bodies, of which 419 bore markings they had been shot, tortured or bludgeoned to death.
On 2 March 2022 the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor opened an investigation into crimes committed in Ukraine. The decision was taken after 41 States, including the 27 European Union Member States submitted referrals.
European Union is supporting the International Criminal Court in the ongoing investigations into war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine.
Russian disinformation media advanced conspiracy theories on Bucha atrocities, stating that corpses shown were moving and standing up. See more disinformation cases on Bucha, as well as on war crimes in Ukraine.
See also EU vs Disinfo’s Guide to Deciphering Pro-Kremlin disinformation around Putin’s War.