Putin signed a decree on Monday giving the 64th Motorized Infantry Brigade the honorary title of “Guards,” according to the Kremlin. The award is justified by the “heroism and bravery, determination and courage” of the members.
“The skilful and resolute actions of the entire personnel (the brigade) during the military special operation in Ukraine” are “models of execution of military duties, of courage, determination and great professionalism,” Putin said. The brigade defended the “motherland and state interests”.
The Kremlin did not provide information on where members of the brigade are currently located or where they were stationed. No further details were given about their duties.
Ukraine had accused the Russian army and especially the 64th Brigade of having massacred civilians in the city of Bucha near Kyiv. After the Russian troops left, dead men in civilian clothes, some with their hands tied, were found on the streets of Bucha.
The intelligence service of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense published the names, ranks and passport details of each member of the brigade and announced that they would be put on trial. According to the Ukrainian police, most of the dead in Bucha had gunshot wounds.
Russia denies the allegations. It accuses the Ukrainian authorities and Western media of orchestrating the atrocities and the Ukrainian troops of committing the acts in order to blame Russia.
Source: Nachrichten
