A Russian soldier who was in Bucha during the executions was identified because he spray-painted his Instagram handle in a civilian's home

While atrocities were committed, a Russian soldier left behind a simple clue into his identity: his spray-painted wall.

Russian forces retreated from the areas around Kyiv last month, and that's when reporters from the news agency spent weeks in Ukraine. They found the handle inside a home that a resident said had been occupied by a group of Russian soldiers.

The outlet said he used variations of his social media accounts. Russian soldiers drinking beer and smoking a hookah in a bar were shown in videos posted on social media.

Two people who knew of the military unit confirmed it to the news agency. The outlet sent a message asking for comment from the man, but he didn't reply.

When asked if he could write something, Shcherbakov said: "Fuck the Ukies."

—Aric Toler (@AricToler) May 5, 2022

The killing and rape of civilians as well as mass graves were reported after the retreat. There were calls for an international investigation into Russia's war in Ukraine.

The new details about what happened in Bucha were published by the news agency on Thursday.

Some acts of violence against civilians were linked to specific soldiers and military units in the area.

Russia said the accounts are fake.