Sick Russian soldiers steal human remains from sacred crypt in southern Ukraine

SICK Russian soldiers stole human remains from a sacred crypt in southern Ukraine. They took the bones of legendary Prince Grigory Potemkin days before fleeing the prized city of Kherson. Chris EadesThe tomb and crypt of Prince Grigory Potemkin in the city of Kherson was raided by Russian invaders – The Sun’s Jerome Starkey pictured at the royal’s coffin[/caption] ReutersVladimir Putin invoked Potemkin to justify his war as a bid to reclaim Russia’s glorious past[/caption] Armed agents burst into St Catherine’s Cathedral and ordered priests to give them the coffin. Russian Potemkin helped conquer Crimea and a swathe of Ukraine in the late 1700s. President Vladimir Putin invoked him to justify his war as a bid to reclaim his nation’s glorious past. Priest Father Illia, 39, told The Sun: “There was nothing we could do.” READ MORE ON UKRAINE WAR DEATH FROM ABOVE UK sends £175k Brimstone 2 missiles to Ukraine that can hunt down Russians VLAD'S VICTIMS Putin accused of 'reviving genocidal' tactics as shells kill 15 in Kherson Defence Editor Jerome was allowed to access the vault via a trapdoor surrounded by candles. Steps led down to a warm, domed chamber where Potemkin’s bones had been kept in a small black bag inside the coffin on top of a stone plinth. Fr Illia accused the grave robbers of “stealing history”, adding: “These people want to resurrect the past”. Most read in The Sun GAME OVER? I'm A Celeb winner 'revealed' hours ahead of final RIDE HORROR Winter Wonderland horror after two people 'come off' ride after 'bang' royal shock I'm A Celeb fans gobsmacked as royal Zara Tindall greets husband Mike THE PRINCE & ME Prince Harry was my toyboy aged 21 - I bet his book doesn't mention it A ROYAL SWIPE I'm A Celebrity's Mike Tindall takes swipe at Declan Donnelly in tense trial FENCED IN My neighbour's 6ft fence has ruined my view and blocks light into my home