To Defenders of Freedom

Ukrainian prisoner of war was shot by Russians after the words “Glory to Ukraine!”

Ukrainians were shaken by another case of Russian brutality. A video has been circulating showing how the Russian invaders killed a Ukrainian prisoner of war simply for uttering the words “Glory to Ukraine / Slava Ukraini”.

Human Rights Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubinets, emphasized that shooting the Ukrainian prisoner of war violates the Geneva Conventions.

“When all over the world the words “Glory to Ukraine” evoke feelings of respect and pride, Russians just shot our citizens for the Ukrainian slogan… It is very painful to look at how Russian occupiers treat Ukrainians,” commented Lubinets.

The investigators of the Security Service of Ukraine established that the Ukrainian soldier on the video was Oleksandr Matsiievskyi, a sniper of the 163rd battalion of the 119th separate brigade of the territorial defense of the Chernihiv region.

Oleksandr was called up for military service in March 2022. Since the end of December, he was reported missing near the settlement of Krasna Hora in the Donetsk region.

As the Security Service of Ukraine reports, Oleksandr Matsiievskyi was shot on December 30, 2022. His body was returned to Ukraine in February 2023.

The identity of the killed Ukrainian defender was confirmed only after complex investigative actions, which included communication with his relatives, processing of photo and video materials, and the conclusion of a forensic portrait examination. Later it became known that the executed Ukrainian defender also had citizenship of Moldova.

The Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk, reported that they are working on identifying the occupiers who have committed this crime to ensure they receive the deserved punishment.

“He was a real Hero who, even facing death, demonstrated to the whole world what the Ukrainian character and indomitability look like. Having such brave Ukrainian defenders means that our enemy will definitely lose. The victory of Ukraine in this war has been made from the heroic deeds of people like Oleksandr Matsiievskyi. Glory to the Hero! Glory to the Heroes! Glory to Ukraine!” stated Maliuk.

Recently, it also became known that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posthumously conferred the title “Hero of Ukraine” to Oleksandr Matsiievskyi.

“Today I conferred the title of “Hero of Ukraine” upon Oleksandr Matsiievskyi, a soldier. A man whom all Ukrainians will know. A man who will be remembered forever. For his bravery, for his confidence in Ukraine, and for his “Glory to Ukraine!” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy on March 12, 2023.

Explore more