By Enyichukwu Enemanna
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Friday condemned the viral video showing the beheading of a Ukrainian prisoner of war, stressing that those behind the act should face the full consequences of their action.
According to Downing Street, Sunak in a conversation with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky describe the footage as “abhorrent”.
“The prime minister said the video was appalling and those responsible had to be held to account,” a statement read.
Russia had on Thursday said it will launch a preliminary investigation into the footage that has drawn anger in Kyiv.
Moscow has repeatedly denied war crime allegations from Ukraine and its Western allies since Russian troops invaded Ukraine last February.
Downing Street said Sunak paid tribute to Ukrainian troops fighting to prevent Russian forces overrunning the besieged eastern city of Bakhmut.
“The leaders also discussed efforts to accelerate military support to Ukraine, and the prime minister said the UK and its allies needed to continue to ensure Ukraine was in the strongest possible position to build on its recent battlefield successes,” it added.
“That included increasing interoperability with NATO both in the short and long term.”
