From: New Voice of Ukraine 🇺🇦 Russian forces are taking civilians hostage, executing some, and seizing property in Vovchansk, Ukraine’s Internal Affairs Minister Ihor Klymenko reported on Telegram on May 16.
Russian troops, attempting to secure their position in the city, have prevented residents from evacuating. “People are being kidnapped and thrown into basements,” Klymenko stated.
Reports have emerged of the first civilian executions. One Vovchansk resident who tried to escape and refused to obey the invaders was killed.
Investigators from Kharkiv’s National Police have launched criminal proceedings over violations of the laws and customs of war.
Despite intense combat, National Police evacuation teams continue their efforts to evacuate residents from Vovchansk. However, the task is becoming increasingly difficult as Russian forces have begun targeting civilian and police vehicles, said Serhiy Bolvinov, head of Kharkiv’s State Police Investigation Department.
Voice of Ukraine 