The 64th separate motorized rifle brigade, whose fighters killed and tortured civilians in Bucha near Kiev, has returned to hostilities in Ukraine, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported. The services indicate that the unit was intended for “special tasks”, including to intimidate civilians.
A few days ago, soldiers of the 64th brigade were withdrawn from Buch to the area of the Belarusian Mozyr. By April 6, the brigade should be transferred by rail to Belgorod, Russia. “After only two days of vacation, they plan to return to Ukraine to one of the hottest places of hostilities – in the direction of Kharkov. As a rule, Russian units leaving the combat zone are given much more time to recuperate and rest, ”the interview emphasizes. Press release.
A division to intimidate civilians?
According to the services, this means that the brigade was assigned “special tasks”, including intimidation of the civilian population. “Those who committed the crimes of genocide in Bucha may repeat it in other cities,” the Ukrainian side warns.
Another possible goal for the speedy return of the 64th brigade to Ukraine is, according to intelligence, “quick elimination of witnesses.” “This means moving to a sector of the front, where they will not have a chance to survive, so that in the future they will not testify in courts,” it was emphasized. According to the Ukrainian services, the Russian military oppose the commanders, for which they face a military court.
Advisor to the President of Ukraine Oleksiy Arestovich has published a list of Russian units that may be involved in war crimes in Buka, Gostomel and Irpen. These include: the 64th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 35th Army of the Eastern Military District; 5th Separate Tank Brigade of the 36th Army of the Eastern Military District 331. Parachute Regiment of the 98th Airborne Division; 137th Airborne Regiment of the 106th Airborne Division; 104th and 234th assault regiments of the 76th airborne division; 14th and 45th separate special forces brigades; 63rd Special Police Department of the Russian Guard; 155th Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet.