Controversy in Maryinka: Allegations of Ukrainian Soldiers’ Bodies in Sewage
Watan-Allegations have spread after the Russian army took control of the city of “Maryinka,” accusing Ukrainian forces of throwing the bodies of their dead soldiers into sewage chambers.
Accounts on the “X” platform circulated footage showing what appeared to be decomposing bodies inside a sewage system.
Those sharing these clips claimed that the bodies visible in the sewage chambers were those of Ukrainian soldiers.
Last month, the Ukrainian army announced its withdrawal to the outskirts of Maryinka after Russian forces took control of it.
While some activists doubted these images, seeing them as mere Russian propaganda, others believed them, arguing that the Ukrainian army wanted to hide the bodies of dead soldiers to avoid paying compensation to their families.
“Watan” has not verified the validity of these allegations through an independent source, nor has there been any official comment from the Ukrainian army or government so far.
احد اكثر الفديوهات تداولا في جبهات الصراع 🇺🇦🇷🇺”
الروس دخلوا مدينة مارينكا وكانت هناك رائحه نتنه ضخمه تخرج من حدود المدينه
لكن المفاجأه ان حكومة زيلنسكي كانت تخفي جثث جنودها في مواقع الصرف الصحي لعدم دفع تكاليف النفقه على عائلاتهم 😨!
https://t.co/21B0SzP3Od— اوبزيرفر | (@B667i) February 6, 2024
Statements by Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin considered the liberation of the city an opportunity to remove Ukrainian forces from Donetsk.
Ukrainian Chief of Staff Valery Zaluzhny mentioned that Maryinka had fallen under Russian control. He stated that the Ukrainian withdrawal should not lead to public anger, especially since there was nothing left of the town now.
Putin added that “Maryinka” remained virtually nonexistent for about two years, but from now on, Russian forces would only be present in the northern part of the city, stating, “I can say that the town no longer exists in reality.”
Piles of Rubble
According to footage aired on Russian television, the city has turned into piles of rubble and burnt residential buildings.
Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that “gaining control of Maryinka allowed Russian forces to push enemy combat units away from the city of Donetsk.”
He added that controlling this fortified area gives our forces the ability to advance forward.
