Konstyantyn, 70, smokes a cigarette amid destroyed Russian tanks in Bucha, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sunday, April 3, 2022. AP
Konstyantyn, 70, smokes a cigarette amid destroyed Russian tanks in Bucha, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sunday, April 3, 2022. AP
Konstyantyn, 70, smokes a cigarette amid destroyed Russian tanks in Bucha, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sunday, April 3, 2022. AP
Konstyantyn, 70, smokes a cigarette amid destroyed Russian tanks in Bucha, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sunday, April 3, 2022. AP

Ukraine accuses Russia of ‘genocide’ amid mass grave revelations


James Reinl
  • English
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Live updates: follow the latest news on Russia-Ukraine

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of committing genocide and trying to wipe out a “whole nation”, after the discovery of mass graves and execution sites near the capital, Kyiv.

“This is genocide. The elimination of the whole nation and the people,” Mr Zelenskyy told CBS.

“We are the citizens of Ukraine. We have more than 100 nationalities. This is about the destruction and extermination of all these nationalities,” he said.

The president’s interview was broadcast on Sunday after revelations of civilian bodies littering the streets of the town of Bucha, near Kyiv. The city’s mayor, Anatoly Fedoruk, said 280 bodies were buried in a mass grave there.

“We are citizens of Ukraine and we don’t want to be subdued to the policy of Russian Federation. This is the reason we are being destroyed and exterminated,” Mr Zelenskyy said.

“This is happening in the Europe of the 21st century. So this is the torture of the whole nation.”

Speaking to CNN, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the evidence of atrocities in Bucha and said the US was documenting possible war crimes in Ukraine.

"You can’t help but see these images as a punch to the gut,” said Mr Blinken.

The killings were the “reality of what’s going on every single day” that Russia remains in Ukraine, said Mr Blinken, who will travel to Brussels, in Belgium, from Tuesday to Thursday for a meeting of Nato foreign ministers.

Russia has suffered a “strategic defeat” in Ukraine and sanctions are taking a “big bite” out of its economy, he said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Ukrainian claims of war crimes. He said the evidence of atrocities purportedly included a “lot of fakes and staged shots”.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, saying operations were vital to halt Nato’s expansion eastwards.

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Director: Joseph Kosinski

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Global Fungi Facts

• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil

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• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.

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The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

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THE BIO:

Favourite holiday destination: Thailand. I go every year and I’m obsessed with the fitness camps there.

Favourite book: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. It’s an amazing story about barefoot running.

Favourite film: A League of their Own. I used to love watching it in my granny’s house when I was seven.

Personal motto: Believe it and you can achieve it.

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
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Sreesanth's India bowling career

Tests 27, Wickets 87, Average 37.59, Best 5-40

ODIs 53, Wickets 75, Average 33.44, Best 6-55

T20Is 10, Wickets 7, Average 41.14, Best 2-12

Bio:

Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour

Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people 

Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite food: Fish and vegetables

Favourite place to visit: London

Updated: April 03, 2022, 5:40 PM`