Mass graves with bodies bearing signs of violent death were discovered on September 23 by self-defense militias some 35km north-east of Donetsk. Forensic experts came to the conclusion that the people had been shot in the head at close range. This area was earlier controlled by Ukrainian security forces and the Aidar battalion.
Russia has earlier called on international organizations, namely the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and UN human rights structures to take more responsibility for completing the investigations of crimes committed in Ukraine.