Ukrainian forces after the Russians withdrawal from Izium. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Ukrainian forces after the Russians withdrawal from Izium. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty ImagesShow key events onlyPlease turn on JavaScript to use this feature
Live feedCzech Republic calls for ‘special international tribunal’ for war crimesThe Czech Republic, who currently hold the EU presidency, have called for a “special international tribunal” after a mass grave was discovered in Izium, a town in north-eastern Ukraine.
More than 440 bodies have been discovered by Ukrainian officials, with some found with their hands tied behind their backs.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy invoked the names of other Ukrainian cities where authorities said retreating Russian troops left behind mass graves of civilians, Associated Press reported.
“Bucha, Mariupol, now, unfortunately, Izium,” Ukraine’s president said. “Russia leaves death everywhere. And it must be held accountable for it.”
In a series of tweets on Saturday, Jan Lipavský, the Czech Republic’s minister of foreign affairs said:
Russia left behind mass graves of hundreds of shot and tortured people in the Izyum area. In the 21st century, such attacks against the civilian population are unthinkable and abhorrent. We must not overlook it. We stand for the punishment of all war criminals. #StandwithUkraine
I call for the speedy establishment of a special international tribunal that will prosecute the crime of aggression.
Russia left behind mass graves of hundreds of shot and tortured people in the Izyum area. In the 21st century, such attacks against the civilian population are unthinkable and abhorrent. We must not overlook it. We stand for the punishment of all war criminals. #StandwithUkraine
— Jan Lipavský (@JanLipavsky) September 17, 2022 I call for the speedy establishment of a special international tribunal that will prosecute the crime of aggression.
— Jan Lipavský (@JanLipavsky) September 17, 2022 Key events
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Satellite imagery has emerged of the recently discovered mass grave site near Izium.
The images, released by Maxar Technologies, show the “Forest Cemetery” entrance from March to August of this year.
Hundreds of hastily buried bodies were discovered two days ago, including those of children and Ukrainian soldiers, after Izium was liberated from Russian forces.