Two Years Since the Liberation of Bucha: Ukrainian Police Yet to Determine the Full Number of Russian Occupiers' Victims
Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have still not determined the exact number of victims who suffered from the actions of Russian occupiers in Bucha, Kyiv Oblast, liberated by Ukrainian soldiers two years ago. This was reported by the National Police of Ukraine.
Deputy Head of the National Police Andriy Nebitov stated that there are still missing persons, and their search continues. In total, after the de-occupation of Bucha, the bodies of 422 killed civilians were found, and in the Bucha district - 1190 bodies. The National Police continues to investigate war crimes committed by Russian occupiers.
According to Nebitov, the police initiated over 116,000 criminal proceedings regarding war crimes by Russian occupiers in Ukraine. Out of this number, 23,000 were committed in the Kyiv Oblast alone.
Currently, after the Russian occupation in the Kyiv Oblast, 514 people are considered missing, and 180 bodies remain unidentified.
It is worth noting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the city on the anniversary of its liberation, paying tribute to the fallen. "This war has global significance. It is a war for the right to exist for our state, and at the same time for the right to life for every person. It is a war for the dignity of our people and for every nation that seeks its destiny. It is a war against anyone who dares to become a beast towards others," said Volodymyr Zelensky.
US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink also visited Bucha on March 31 along with Zelensky and other foreign representatives. "Today, I joined President Zelensky and many other international partners to honour the memory of those killed by Russian forces during the temporary occupation of Bucha, Irpin, and Borodyanka in the Kyiv region, as well as towns and villages in the Sumy and Chernihiv regions. We stand with Ukraine," Brink tweeted.
The UK's Foreign Office stated that they continue to stand with Ukraine. "Two years ago, Ukrainian forces liberated the town of Bucha from Russian occupiers and discovered horrific atrocities committed against civilians, including torture and mass executions. Today, we stand with Ukraine and honour the memory of the victims of this tragedy," the British Foreign Office noted.