Ukrainian POW executed by Russian troops was citizen of Moldova - MFA

Ukrainian serviceman Oleksandr Matsiievskyi, executed by Russian troops, was a citizen of Moldova who defended Ukraine.

According to Ukrinform, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova said this in a Facebook post.

"After the Ukrainian side confirmed the fact that the Ukrainian serviceman executed by Russian soldiers is Oleksandr Matsiievskyi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the killing of a citizen of Moldova. This is an act that can be qualified as a war crime and gross violation of international humanitarian law. We express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Oleksandr Matsievsky," the ministry said.

It also expressed solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

"We reaffirm the firm position of the Republic of Moldova regarding the condemnation of the brutal war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Our country remains committed to supporting Ukraine in its efforts to return the region to peace and stability," the ministry added.

On March 12, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded the Hero of Ukraine title to Ukrainian serviceman Oleksandr Matsiievskyi, who was shot dead by Russian forces for saying "Glory to Ukraine!"

Ukraine's SBU State Security Service investigators established that the Ukrainian soldier who was executed by the Russians was Oleksandr Matsiievskyi, a sniper from the 119th separate brigade of the territorial defense of the Chernihiv region. Earlier, footage circulated on social media showing the Russian invaders shooting a Ukrainian soldier after he said "Glory to Ukraine!"