O Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (18) awarded the 64th Motorized Infantry Brigade, accused by Ukraine of taking part in alleged abuses in Bucha, a town near Kyiv, with an honorary title praising their “heroism”.
According to the Kremlin, Putin signed a decree giving this brigade the “honorary title of ‘Guards'” because of the “heroism and tenacity, determination and courage” of its troops.
“The skillful and resolute actions of all employees of the military operation in Ukraine are an example of the fulfillment of military duties, courage, determination and great professionalism,” Putin wrote to the military.
The Kremlin gave no details as to where the soldiers were stationed or what their mission was.
Ukraine has accused the Russian army, and in particular the 64th Brigade, of carrying out a massacre of civilians in Bucha, which was discovered after Russian soldiers withdrew on March 30.
Russia denies this version and accuses Ukraine and the Western media of orchestrating it, or blames the Ukrainian armed forces with the aim of blaming Moscow.