A total of more than 400 bodies were found in Bucha, some with their hands tied behind their backs. Ukraine is therefore accusing Russian soldiers of the most serious war crimes. The Ukrainian secret service spoke of “mass murder” committed by members of the 64th Motor Rifle Brigade of the 35th Army of the Russian Federation.
Russia denies having anything to do with the atrocities. He accuses Ukrainian authorities and Western media of orchestrating the atrocities and Ukrainian troops committing the acts to blame Russia. International investigations are ongoing. There are numerous calls for those responsible to be brought to an international court.
According to the Kremlin, Putin praised the soldiers’ “intelligent and resolute actions” during the “special military operation”, as the war is called in Russia. They showed courage and high professionalism in an exemplary way. “I am convinced that you soldiers and officers are guards who will continue to fulfill your oath, serve your homeland with honor and reliably protect the security and peaceful lives of our citizens,” the president said.
Putin signed a decree on Monday giving the 64th Motorized Infantry Brigade the honorary title of “Guards”, according to the Kremlin. The award is justified by the “heroism and bravery, determination and courage” of the members. “The skillful and resolute actions of all personnel (the brigade) during the special military operation in Ukraine” are “models of execution of military duties, of courage, determination and great professionalism,” Putin said. The brigade defended the “interests of the Fatherland and the State”.
The Kremlin did not provide information on where the brigade members are currently located or where they were stationed. No further details were given about their functions. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry’s intelligence service published the names, ranks and passport details of each brigade member and announced that they would be put on trial. According to Ukrainian police, most of those killed in Bucha had gunshot wounds.