“Bucha massacre proves that Russian hatred towards Ukrainians is beyond anything Europe has seen since WWII. The only way to stop this: help Ukraine kick Russians out as soon as possible. Partners know our needs. Tanks, combat aircraft, heavy air defense systems. Provide them NOW,” Kuleba tweeted.

“Bucha massacre was deliberate. Russians aim to eliminate as many Ukrainians as they can. We must stop them and kick them out. I demand new devastating G7 sanctions NOW,” Kuleba said.

He underlined that new sanctions should include the embargo on oil, gas, and coal, the closure of all ports for Russian ships and goods as well as the disconnection of all Russian banks from the international SWIFT payment system.

Following the withdrawal of the Russian military from Bucha, at end of March, evidence emerged of alleged war crimes committed by Russian forces while they occupied the region.

According to media reports, eighteen mutilated bodies of murdered men, women, and children were found in a basement. The bodies showed evidence of torture; cut-off ears and teeth pulled out. Corpses of other killed civilians were left on the road.

The main streets were littered with dead civilians, who had apparently been going about their everyday lives.

Residents and the town mayor confirmed that the victims had been killed by Russian troops. Many of the victims appeared to have been going about their daily routines, walking dogs, or carrying shopping bags.

Footage showed civilians dead, with their hands bound. Other footage showed a dead man next to his bicycle. Journalists entering the town themselves discovered dead civilians.

The mayor of Bucha, Anatoliy Fedoruk, confirmed that at least 280 individuals from the city had to be buried in mass graves. Local residents had to bury another 57 bodies in another mass grave. (ILKHA)