Cuban mercenaries fighting on Russia's side in the Donetsk region receive orders from their commanders to fire on civilians, according to conversations intercepted by Ukrainian military intelligence services, Euromaidan Press reports.
In recent days, reports, images and footage from the battlefield have shown dead or injured civilians after Russian soldiers opened fire on them in the besieged city of Pokrovsk or in villages in the eastern Donetsk region.
In a new development, Russian commanders are trying to draw Cuban mercenaries into this practice as well, making them complicit in Russia's war crimes.
Ukraine has documented war crimes committed by Colombian mercenaries who are part of the 30th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade of the 2nd Combined Arms Army of Russia's Central Military District.
In an intercepted conversation, one of the field commanders is heard giving an order in Spanish to execute Ukrainian civilians, including women and children.
“When there is fog, mist, so as not to be identified, eliminate all people on the enemy side. On motorcycles, on bicycles, women and children.”
The city of Pokrovsk is under siege and Russian troops are attacking from several directions. More than 250 Russian soldiers are infiltrating the city.
According to the regional authorities, evacuations are almost impossible. According to local reports, over a thousand residents remained in Pokrovsk. Those who try to leave on their own are targeted by drones.
In a recording from October 21, a field commander of the 30th Motorized Infantry Brigade gives the following order: “Watch the road, don't let anyone pass. Got it? Anyone in sight of civilians carrying large luggage, fire immediately.”
A surviving local woman has given testimony of how Russian soldiers killed her family, including her two sons, after questioning them about Ukrainian positions.
Five civilians were killed in the village of Zvanivka, Donetsk region, the regional prosecutor's office announced on Thursday, including the woman's husband and sons.
