The Russian Foreign Ministry called the killing of civilians in Russkoye Porechnoye another atrocity by the AFU

The killing of civilians in the village of Russkoye Porechnoye in Kursk Region is yet another rampage by militants of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on January 31.

"Another rampage by militants of Ukrainian armed formations committed in the village of Russkoye Porechnoye recently liberated by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation," the diplomat said.

She stressed that Russia believes it is necessary to constantly talk about this crime so that the world understands "who is sponsored by Westerners and what the Kiev regime is committing with Western money." Zakharova added that all those involved in the shooting of civilians will be punished.

Earlier, on January 18, the Telegram channel of the "North" group of troops published footage showing the bodies of civilians found in cellars in the village of Russkoye Porechnoye in Kursk Region.

The next day, the Russian Investigative Committee opened a criminal case over the killing of civilians in the Kursk village by AFU fighters. On January 31, it was reported that the Russian Investigative Committee had identified five Ukrainian militants involved in the massacre.

The AFU attacked Russian positions in the border areas of Kursk region on August 6, 2024. The situation in the region was recognized as a state of emergency of federal character. The liquidation of the Ukrainian militants who invaded the Russian territory is underway.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the beginning of which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the background of the aggravated situation in the region.