Ukrainian forces moved into the suburb of Bucha for the first time since it fell to the Russian forces, as reports from the frontlines said that many corpses were seen strewn on the streets, according to The Washington Post.
A video also emerged online showing at least 9 people dead, which includes a child – the video has also been verified by The Post.
Bodies were also seen with their hands tied behind their backs, and other corpses being bound, wrapped, and thrown into ditches, according to CBS.
Around 270 civilians were found buried in mass graves, and another 40 others lying dead on the streets, according to Anatoly Fedoruk, the mayor of the embattled city.
Graphic images (viewer discretion is advised) of dead bodies in the streets were shared on Twitter by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, highlighting the brutality- he called it a “massacre”.
Kuleba said on Twitter:
“Bucha massacre was deliberate. Russians aim to eliminate as many Ukrainians as they can. We must stop them and kick them out. I demand new devastating G7 sanctions NOW:
-Oil, gas, coal embargo
-Close all ports to Russian vessels and goods
-Disconnect all Russian banks from SWIFT”
Speaking to CBS, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said that this was “genocide” and added that his people were being “destroyed and exterminated” for not wanting to follow Russian policies.
This comes in the wake of the Ukrainian military retaking territory and the authorities documenting evidence of war crimes committed by the Russian forces, who are retreating from Kyiv.