Four Ukrainian prisoners ‘executed’ by Russian soldiers with automatic rifles (Picture: EAST2WEST)

Four unarmed Ukrainian prisoners were allegedly executed by Russian troops despite a ceasefire coinciding with Orthodox Easter celebrations.

According to a statement from the 14th army corps,Russian troops launched an attack on Ukrainian positions near the village of Vetarynarne in the Kharkiv region in the north west the country.

The assault led to the capture of four soldiers,who Russian forces executed on when they were unarmed,said the statement.

The 14th army corps,a unit in the Ukrainian army,wrote: ‘Russia proves once again that its army is a terrorist group for which no rules or laws exist.

‘The execution of prisoners has become a systemic practice for the enemy,indicating conscious approval of such crimes by the Russian high command.’

Russia and Ukraine had announced a short ceasefire on Saturday for Orthodox Easter,but both sides have accused the other of thousands of violations.

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Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.A drone caught the moment the unarmed prisoners were shot (Picture: EAST2WEST)

Ukrainian forces said Russia had committed 2,299 violations since the temporary truce began,including shooting the four unarmed soldiers. Russia said Ukraine had committed 1,971 violations,including three counter-attacks.At least two people were killed and one was injured in an overnight attack in Odesa

(Picture: via REUTERS)Volodymyr Zelensky,Ukraine’s president,had earlier written: ‘We all understand who we are dealing with. Ukraine will adhere to the ceasefire and respond strictly in kind. ‘The absence of Russian strikes in the air,on land,and at sea will mean no response from our side.‘The Ukrainian army is ready for any developments on the frontline. Ukraine has repeatedly proposed various ceasefire formats to Russia,and we believe that Easter should be a time of silence and safety. ‘A ceasefire on Easter could also become the beginning of real movement toward peace – our side has made the corresponding proposal.’Father Roman,a Ukrainian army chaplain who led the blessing ceremonies,described Easter as a moment of faith shared by Ukrainians in their identity and future.‘We are defending our borders. We are defending our identity,” he said. “We are a free people who live on this territory. We have faith,deep traditions and historical heritage. It’s all about the identity of Ukrainians.’Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at .