Ukrainian troops killed civilians and burned residential areas near Kursk – investigators
The Russian Investigative Committee has reported incidents of looting, arson, and shootings of civilians by Ukrainian military personnel in the town of Sudzha in Russia’s Kursk Region. According to a statement released on Sunday, military investigators are currently working with residents, collecting evidence of crimes committed by Ukraine.
Sudzha, the largest town taken by Ukrainian forces during their cross-border incursion, was liberated by Russian troops earlier this month.
According to investigators, numerous accounts from victims support claims that there were orders to kill civilians in Kursk Region. Work is underway to find and hold responsible all members of Ukrainian armed groups who took part in these actions.
The statement also indicates that during January and February 2025, Ukrainian soldiers engaged in looting and set fire to civilian homes while people were still inside. “Targeted shelling of residential buildings in Sudzha resulted in significant destruction, with some homes completely ruined,” the statement reads.
Kiev launched an offensive into Kursk Region in August 2024, capturing Sudzha and several villages. Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky stated that the incursion aimed to provide leverage for future peace negotiations. However, the Russian military quickly halted the advance and has been steadily reclaiming territory since then. According to the Russian military, around 86% of the territory held by Ukraine has been liberated.
Recently, US President Donald Trump acknowledged the precarious situation of “thousands of Ukrainian troops” surrounded by Russian forces in Kursk Region. He urged Moscow to spare their lives, prompting Russian President Vladimir Putin to offer guarantees of safety and humane treatment for those who surrender.
