VOLNOVAKHA, Ukraine (AP) – In a Russian-occupied town in Ukraine, a horrific mass murder took place, resulting in the deaths of a Ukrainian family of nine, including two young children. Two Russian soldiers have been arrested in connection with the crime. The tragedy occurred on Saturday night in Volnovakha, an industrial town located between the cities of Donetsk and Melitopol, which are under Russian control.

According to the Ukrainian Donetsk Region Prosecutor’s Office, the soldiers, who have not been identified, were reportedly intoxicated when they entered the Kapkanets family’s home and executed every family member. The motive behind the killings appeared to be the family’s refusal to give up their home, as a Russian military unit wanted to occupy it. Russian media outlets reported that the killers used machine guns equipped with silencers to systematically murder the family members in their beds.

The victims have been identified as 53-year-old Eduard Kapkanets, the head of the household, and his wife Tatiana, who had just celebrated her 51st birthday before the brutal attack. Also killed were their son Andreij, his wife Natalia, and their two children, 9-year-old Anastasia and 5-year-old Nikita. Additionally, Natalia’s 20-year-old brother Dmitry Khotinskiy, and Andrei’s younger brother Alexander and his wife Ekaterina, lost their lives in the massacre.

Harrowing photos released by Ukrainian officials showed the devastating aftermath of the crime. One image depicted a couple locked in a final embrace, their bed soaked in blood. Another heart-wrenching photo showed two young children lying motionless in bed next to a deceased woman, covered in blankets and surrounded by splatters of blood.

Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets pointed fingers at Russia, stating, “There is no doubt that the bloody hands of the Russians are involved.” Russian investigators have since detained the soldiers suspected of carrying out the brutal attack. If convicted, the soldiers could face up to 20 years in prison on murder charges.

The horrendous crime appears to stem from a personal conflict between the soldiers and the Kapkanets family. Earlier this month, the soldiers had demanded that the family vacate their home for a Russian military unit. After the family refused, the soldiers threatened them with physical violence before leaving. Days later, the soldiers returned and mercilessly shot all nine family members in their sleep.

The senseless killing of this Ukrainian family has shocked the community, leaving them in disbelief and mourning the loss of innocent lives. Investigations into the crime are ongoing as authorities seek justice for the victims.