Ukraine: war crimes on both sides?
The atrocities committed in Bucha, which Moscow categorically denies, sent shock waves around the world and provoked an even harsher tone against Russia. Now a video has emerged - verified by the New York Times - showing the execution of a captured Russian soldier by troops fighting under the Ukrainian flag. Europe's press debates how to deal with such acts.
At least the Ukrainians have pledged to investigate
The government in Kyiv's response to accusations against its own soldiers is a pleasant contrast to that in Moscow, praises The Malta Independent:
“It is true that atrocities were carried out by both sides. ... But at least Kyiv has acknowledged that there might have been some cases of misconduct by its troops and pledged to investigate. Russia, on the other hand, continues to deny that its soldiers killed and raped innocent civilians, despite the mounting evidence of such crimes. This is reminiscent of past conflicts and dictatorships, only that we are now living in the 21st century and the truth cannot be so easily hidden.”
New technology makes documenting crimes easier
Everyone should help to document the atrocities of war, Népszava demands:
“A big difference between the Second World War and today's aggression against Ukraine is that nowadays you can document almost all war crimes with mobile phones. The whole world was able to view the shocking footage from Bucha. ... Now all technological means should be used to uncover the events [there] and in other towns and identify those responsible. Russia is unlikely to help, and the Kremlin is increasingly isolating itself from civilised Europe.”