The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, condemned the discovery of a mass grave in the eastern Kharkov region, in the town of Izyum. The number of victims remains unspecified, and the news comes as the area was recently liberated from Russian forces. Zelensky highlighted the severity of the finding during his nightly address broadcast by the presidency, emphasizing the urgency of transparent investigations.
The presidential office stated that the necessary procedural steps have already begun to document and verify the site. Zelensky pointed to the importance of timely and accurate information, noting that more details would emerge as investigators gather evidence. He urged the world to stay informed about the realities on the ground and to understand the sequence of events that led to this moment in the ongoing conflict.
In his Friday remarks, the president underscored the international community’s role in ensuring accountability for acts committed during the war. He traced the devastation from Bucha and Mariupol to Izyum, pressing for a clear understanding of how the invasion unfolded and why civilians continue to suffer. The message was a call for comprehensive reporting and verification, with the aim of presenting a full picture to the global audience.
The president condemned Russia for spreading death and destruction, asserting that those responsible must be held accountable. He stressed that the international community should demand accountability for the war and work toward preventing further violations of human rights and international law.
The officials in Kyiv reiterated that Ukraine will cooperate with international partners to document the crimes and support justice efforts. They indicated that the investigation in Izyum would be thorough and transparent, with findings shared as soon as they are confirmed by credible sources and forensic analysis. The focus remains on protecting civilians and uncovering the truth behind the atrocity in order to deter future aggression.