Putin Will Pay For 'Despicable War Crimes' Vows PM

Outrage as hundreds of civilians massacred by retreating Russian soldiers

- Macer Hall and Ciaran McGrath

MURDEROUS Vladimir Putin will be held to account after retreating Russian soldiers massacred civilians, Boris Johnson vowed yesterday.

“Despicable” war crimes were carried out by Putin's forces in the Ukrainian towns of Irpin and Bucha, the Prime Minister said. One mayor reported that hundreds of residents had been murdered, some crushed by the invaders' tanks.

Blitzed roads leading to the capital Kyiv were strewn with bound and hooded bodies, in what President Volodymr Zelensky declared was an act of "genocide”.

As world leaders condemned execution-style killings and rapes by Putin's soldiers, Mr Johnson pledged last night: “We will not rest until justice is served.” The PM promised that the UK will back investigations by the International Criminal Court.

He added: "Russia's despicable attacks against innocent civilians in Irpin and Bucha are yet more evidence that Putin and his army are committing war crimes.

"No denial or disinformation from the Kremlin can hide what we all know to be the truth Putin is desperate, his failing, and Ukraine's resolve has never been stronger.

“I will do everything in my power to starve Putin's war machine. We are stepping up our sanctions and military support as well as bolstering our humanitarian support."

Richard Moore, head of MI6, wrote online: “We knew Putin's invasion plans included summary executions by his military and intelligence services. The reports of execution-style killings of civilians emerging from liberated areas are horrifying and chilling."