Here’s a breakdown of the key information from the provided text, focusing on the alleged branding of a Ukrainian prisoner of war (POW) named Andriy:
The Crime:
* A Ukrainian POW, Andriy, was branded with a Russian phrase on his flank. He also has other significant scarring on his torso,including ragged marks and a stomach tube insertion site.
* Ukrainian prosecutors are investigating this as a war crime, calling it a “brazen crime” against POWs.
* Ukrainian surgeon Dr.Oleksandr Turkevych describes it as genocide based on nationality and a war crime.
Suspects & Investigation:
* Two Russian surgeons, Yuriy Kuznetsov and andriy Kryachko, are under scrutiny. They posted photos from Donetsk on February 24, 2024 – the day Andriy was likely branded.
* both surgeons are linked to a pro-war doctors’ group called ‘Friends of Donbas Medicine’ which displays Z war symbols.
* Badma Bashankaev, founder of the visiting surgeons’ group, is a sanctioned Russian MP from Putin’s ruling party. He admits to operating on Ukrainian POWs but denies being present at the time of the branding.
* Kuznetsov initially denied being there but his own social media posts contradict this.
* Kryachko and Bashankaev have declined to comment.
* A nurse suggests the branding was likely done by a visiting doctor, not a permanent hospital staff member.
* Several other medics recall seeing the inscription but deny responsibility.
Context:
* The branding occurred on the second anniversary of the start of Putin’s war in Ukraine, suggesting it was a deliberate act to mark the occasion.
* A team led by Dr. Turkevych is working to remove the branded slogan.
The text highlights a disturbing act of alleged torture and the ongoing investigation to identify those responsible.
