Rusal's statement marks the first time a major Russian company has spoken out on this issue.

Aluminum producerRusal, the largest company in the sector outside China and majority-owned by the En+ group, in which Russian tycoonOleg Deripaskais the main shareholder,has called for a "thorough" investigationinto the Bucha massacre, although it avoids directly accusing Russia of what happened.

"We believe that this crime must be thoroughly investigated. We support an objective and impartial investigation into this crime and callfor severe punishment for the perpetrators," said Rusal board chairman Bernard Zonneveld, a Dutch national.

Rusal's statement represents the first time that a major Russian company has spoken out on this issue. The president of Rusal also callsfor an end to the "fratricidal" conflict in Ukraine "as quickly as possible."

Oleg Deripaska, who had to step down as head of Rusal in 2018 but currently holds almost 45% of the shares in En+, Rusal's main shareholder with 56.88%, had already called for an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine a few weeks ago. "The priority is to stop this as soon as possible," he said.

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