Putin Conjures Up a Justification for the Massacre, Critics Call It a Lie

MOSCOW/KYIV — Russian President Vladimir Putin has conjured up a justification for the massacre in Bucha, Ukraine. To “conjure up” means to invent something. Ukrainian officials and Western governments say his justification is not true.

The killings in Bucha became known in April 2022. Russian soldiers had controlled the town near Kyiv. After they left, Ukrainian officials and journalists found the bodies of many civilians. Some had been shot. Some had their hands tied. Ukraine blamed Russian troops. Russia denied responsibility.

Putin said the scenes were fake. He claimed Ukraine staged them to make Russia look bad. He did not show proof. Ukraine and its allies called this a lie. They said satellite images and witness reports showed the bodies were there before Russian troops left.

The United States and European countries accused Russia of war crimes. International investigators have collected evidence in Bucha and other places. Russia rejects the accusations.

The word “massacre” means the cruel killing of many people. The Bucha case is part of wider war-crime investigations into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Many countries say those responsible must be held accountable.