Russian forces seem to have carried out the execution of Ukrainian soldiers as they were attempting to surrender and it has been happening since December 2023, according to a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report released Thursday.

HRW investigated five instances of the apparent executions. The initial four investigations analyzed footage material, deducing that it demonstrated the intent to surrender of the Ukrainian soldiers. Additionally, HRW indicated that the Russian soldiers were able to be identified because of distinctive red tape markings around their arms and legs. The fifth investigation centered on a video interview of a Ukrainian soldier and family members of other victims.

In matters regarding war crimes, International Humanitarian Law establishes that soldiers who surrender to the enemy are to be considered hors of combat and attacking them is strictly prohibited, as indicated by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine affects not only soldiers but civilians as well. Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, there has been a noticeable impact on civilian life. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) indicated that “conflict-related violence in Ukraine killed at least 429 civilians (232 men, 181 women, 10 boys and 6 girls) and injured 1,375 (717 men, 576 women, 50 boys and 32 girls) between 1 December 2023 and 29 February 2024.”

HRW wrote to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu demanding details regarding the apparent executions, but hasn’t yet received a response.