A Russian missile strike on a prison in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine has killed at least 40 people, in what Ukrainian officials are calling a deliberate attack on prisoners of war.
Mass Casualties in Olenivka Attack
The strike hit the detention facility in Olenivka, Donetsk region, late on Friday night. According to Ukrainian intelligence, the prison housed Ukrainian POWs - many captured during the fierce fighting for Mariupol's Azovstal plant.
Conflicting Accounts Emerge
While Russian-backed separatists claim Ukraine fired the missiles, evidence suggests the attack came from Russian territory. Forensic analysis of missile fragments and trajectory data contradicts Moscow's narrative.
Potential War Crime Investigation
The UN has called for immediate access to the site, with human rights groups warning this may constitute a war crime. Key concerns include:
- Clear identification of the facility as holding POWs
- Lack of military targets nearby
- Precision nature of the strike
International Criminal Court prosecutors are reportedly monitoring the situation closely as part of their ongoing Ukraine investigation.
