Russian Aluminum Company Chairman Urges Investigation Of Bucha Massacre

Topline

The head of the Russian metals company Rusal, the world’s second largest aluminum firm, on Thursday called for a “thorough” investigation of the attacks in Bucha in a rare rebuke of the war coming from a large Russian company.

Key Facts

Zonneveld, a Dutch citizen, in a statement Thursday said the company was “closely watching” the war “in the hope that this horror and tragedy will finally stop.”

The Rusal chairman said events in Bucha, where 410 civilian bodies were found after Russian soldiers withdrew from the area last week, “shocked” the company, which believes the crime should be “thoroughly investigated.”

The company supports “an objective and impartial investigation of this crime,” including “severe punishment for the perpetrators,” despite how hard that may seem “in the context of [the] ongoing information war,” Zonneveld said.

Russia has continued to deny responsibility for the Bucha massacre, although it finally admitted to “significant losses” of Russian troops in Ukraine this week.

Crucial Quote

“We all wish for an early end to this fratricidal conflict, which destroys lives, families and entire cities. And we want those responsible for such crimes to be punished appropriately.” Zonneveld said.

Key Background

Russia has denied allegations it killed civilians in Bucha, claiming instead Ukraine staged the attacks after Russian troops had withdrawn. But a satellite video investigation from the New York Times showed bodies laying in the streets of Bucha for weeks, including while the area was under Russian occupation. The massacre has sparked international outrage, leading the United Nations Thursday to vote to remove Russia from its Human Rights Council. The Russian metals giant Rusal— which says on its website it was responsible for nearly six percent of the world’s aluminum production in 2019— is one of few large Russian firms to comment on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Rusal’s founder, oligarch Oleg Deripaska, also has previously called for a peaceful resolution to the war, calling the conflict “madness” that would bring shame to future generations, according to Reuters. Russian oligarch and Chelsea soccer club owner Roman Abramovich also has participated in Russia-Ukraine negotiations in recent weeks.

Further Reading

Chairman of Russia’s Rusal calls for investigation of Bucha killings (Reuters)

Putin Spokesperson Admits ‘Significant Losses’ Of Russian Troops In Ukraine (Forbes)