Kyiv: The discovery of dozens of bodies, some with their hands tied, in towns near Ukraine's capital after invading Russian troops departed from the area has sparked worldwide anger.

Ukraine has accused Russia of carrying out the killings in towns close to Kyiv, including Bucha, Irpin, and Hostomel, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy labelling Russian forces as "murderers, torturers, and rapists" perpetrating "genocide" in his nation.

Russia, on the other hand, has refuted the allegations. Its defence ministry accused Ukraine of manipulating corpse photos for "another production" aimed at Western media.

Western governments have expressed outrage at the photographs, with some asking for harsher penalties against Russia and others supporting an International Criminal Court investigation into war crimes (ICC).

World reacted sharply to the incident

Secretary-General of the UN António Guterres said “ I am deeply shocked by the images of civilians killed in Bucha, Ukraine. It is essential that an independent investigation leads to effective accountability.”

US condemns killing in harsh words

The photos pouring out of Bucha were described as a "blow to the stomach" by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who offered to assist Ukraine in documenting "war crimes" committed by Russian troops.

"Accountability is required," he told CNN. "But, I believe, the most essential thing is that we do not get numb to this. This cannot be normalised. This is the reality of what happens every day as long as Russia's aggression toward Ukraine continues."

Horrified by the images of civilians lying dead: Michelle Bachelet

The UN human rights head has expressed her outrage over photographs of dead bodies in Bucha.

"I am shocked by photos of civilians lying dead on the streets and in makeshift graves in the Ukrainian village of Bucha," Michelle Bachelet said in a statement on Monday.

"Media stories from this and other regions raise serious and troubling issues about probable war crimes, major breaches of international humanitarian law, and grave violations of international human rights law," she added.

Brutality against civilians was not seen in Europe: Jens Stoltenberg

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the gruesome photographs coming out of Bucha reflect "brutality towards civilians we haven't seen in Europe in decades."

He told CNN's State of the Union that "it's totally intolerable that civilians are being targeted and killed," and that it was Russian President Vladimir Putin's obligation to put an end to the conflict.

President of the European Council Charles Michel said “ Shocked by haunting images of atrocities committed by Russian army in Kyiv liberated region #BuchaMassacre . EU is assisting #Ukraine & NGO’s in gathering of necessary evidence for pursuit in international courts. Further EU sanctions & support are on their way.”

The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, tweeted “I congratulate #Ukraine on liberation of most of Kyiv region. Shocked by news of atrocities committed by Russian forces. EU assists Ukraine in documenting war crimes. All cases must be pursued, namely by  @CIJ_ICJ The EU will continue strong support to Ukraine.”

Polish President Andrzej Duda said “Criminals must be called criminals, brought to justice and sentenced. Pictures from #Bucha disprove the belief that we have to seek a compromise at any cost. In fact, the Defenders of Ukraine need three things above all: weapons, weapons and more weapons. #StandWithUkraine.”

According to Italy's Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, the events in Bucha are "unleashing a torrent of indignation that will lead to fresh sanctions."

He stated that there "might be a debate on the subject of Russian hydrocarbon imports" and that Italy would not reject the fifth round of sanctions.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's tweed on Bucha killings wrote “ We strongly condemn the murder of civilians in Ukraine, remain committed to holding the Russian regime accountable, and will continue to do everything we can to support the people of Ukraine. Those responsible for these egregious and appalling attacks will be brought to justice.”

Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid condemned the incident saying, “It is impossible to remain indifferent in the face of the horrific images from the city of Bucha near Kiev, from after the Russian army left. Intentionally harming a civilian population is a war crime and I strongly condemn it.”

UK condemns the killings

Russian claimed airstrikes on Ukrainian civilians in communities on the outskirts of Kyiv, according to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, "are still further evidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his troops are committing war crimes in Ukraine."

Johnson called the attacks in Irpin and Bucha "despicable" and promised to "do all in my power" to "starve Putin's military machine."

Johnson went on to say that the UK will increase sanctions and military backing for Ukraine, but he didn't go into specifics.