**Russian Military Unit Accused of War Crime: “Cut Off the Head” Order**
A shocking audio recording has surfaced, allegedly showing a company commander from Russia’s 155th Marine Brigade ordering his troops to torture and kill a Ukrainian prisoner of war. The recording, published by Ukraine’s HUR military intelligence agency on July 12, appears to be a chilling example of the brutality committed by Russian forces in Ukraine.
According to the audio, the commander is heard telling his soldiers to “cut off the head” of the Ukrainian POW, and then throw it away. While the authenticity of the recording cannot be verified, the HUR agency claims that the order was intercepted on July 10, and concerns a specific Ukrainian prisoner.
This latest accusation comes as Ukraine continues to target the 155th Marine Brigade, which has been accused of numerous war crimes and atrocities throughout the conflict. The unit’s command post was hit by precision strikes in Kursk Oblast on July 2, killing its commander, Colonel Sergey Ilyin, and several other high-ranking Russian officers.
**A Pattern of Brutality**
The 155th Marine Brigade has been at the center of several high-profile war crimes cases. In December 2024, the unit’s flag was raised behind Russian President Vladimir Putin during a press conference, sparking outrage in Ukraine. The HUR agency has also recalled a case from 2022, when service members of the brigade were linked to war crimes committed during the occupation of Bucha, Irpin, and Hostomel in Kyiv Oblast.
This latest accusation is part of a broader pattern of brutality committed by Russian forces in Ukraine. Ukrainian prosecutors have documented at least 273 cases of Ukrainian POWs being summarily executed by their Russian captors. The UN has also raised alarm over the rising number of such cases, saying they point to a systematic policy by Russia to murder Ukrainian captives.
**The Toll of War**
As the conflict continues to escalate, the toll on civilians and soldiers alike grows heavier. The recording published by HUR serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of war, and the need for accountability and justice. As Ukraine pushes back against Russian aggression, it is clear that the fight for truth and accountability will be just as crucial as the battle for territory.
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