Ukrainian forces have also been accused of executing Russian prisoners of war, but the number of such claims has been much smaller. Yuri Belousov says that the Ukrainian prosecution service treats such accusations "very seriously" and is investigating them - but so far no one has been charged.

The issue of Russia’s alleged use of chemical weapons in Ukraine was put firmly on the international agenda in May 2024, when the US imposed new sanctions on Russia, accusing it of resorting to the use of tear gas and chloropicrin, an odourless toxic irritant, on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Since the beginning of the day on December 25, 128 combat engagements have occurred on the frontlines. The Russian troops are most actively attacking in the Pokrovsk direction, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.