GROZNY, April 12. /TASS/. The video footage depicting execution of an alleged Ukrainian servicemen is a provocation, says Minister of National Policy, External Communications, Press and Information of Chechnya Akhmed Dudayev.
According to Dudayev, the video footage shows patches related to a Chechen regiment, but Chechen forces do not wear fatigues shown in the video.
"Our forces do not wear such military uniform, such helmets and especially do not wear face masks," the Minister said in a video uploaded to his Telegram channel Wednesday.
"This video clip is a cheap provocation attempt. We state responsibly that not a single serviceman from the Chechen Republic is involved in this video and actions that allegedly take place in this video. […] We have always treated our opponents, our enemies, including the ones of the battlefield, with respect - especially the POWs. We have never resorted to such heinous actions," Dudayev said, calling the video a "home-made cheap handiwork".
Earlier, a video emerged on social media depicting an execution of a serviceman wearing a Ukrainian patch. Kiev accused Russian Armed Forces of the execution. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that a video footage depicting an execution of a serviceman may cause an investigation, but it is necessary to ensure that the video is genuine first.