Ukrainian children taken to Belarus after Russian soldier killed their father

Ukrainian law enforcement officers have uncovered another instance of Ukrainian minors being taken to Belarus at the start of Russia's full-scale aggression.

This came to light during the investigation of a case involving Shakhin Sharifzade, a native of Azerbaijan and a Russian citizen. He is suspected of brutal treatment of civilians that led to loss of life. He has been tried in absentia in Ukraine, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports.

The investigation found that on 6 March 2022, Sharifzade killed a Ukrainian civilian in the village of Slabada, Chernihiv region, when the man was trying to evacuate his children and niece from the occupied village. There were four people in the car, including one minor.

Soldiers spotted the vehicle marked "Children" and ordered the driver to stop. When he did, they opened fire on the car. Witnesses say at least 15 shots were fired at the people. The driver was killed on the spot. One passenger was wounded. Local residents provided first aid to the injured person. The detainees were then transported by military helicopter to Belarus, where the wounded person received medical care.

The detained Ukrainians were able to return home in May 2022. The documents do not specify in which settlement in Belarus they were held.