According to Victoria Tymbaliuk, a representative of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, at least 177 Ukrainian prisoners of war have died in Russian captivity since the start of the all-out war. Despite the return of 3,600 prisoners of war and deported citizens through exchanges between Moscow and Kyiv, thousands still remain in Russian captivity.
Tymbaliuk expressed concern that the actual number of deaths in Russian prisons is likely much higher due to the lack of international oversight. She stated that the reported number of deaths is only based on confirmed cases, and many more may have died without being officially recognized by Russia.
The representative also noted that Russia has refused to confirm the capture or whereabouts of thousands of prisoners, leaving their families and loved ones in a state of uncertainty. Tymbaliuk emphasized that the longer these prisoners remain in Russian prisons, the higher the risk of death.
Recently, reports have surfaced of the execution of 16 Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian armed forces on the Pokrovsk front. Yurii Bielousov, head of the War Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office, confirmed this information. The released video showed Ukrainian soldiers, captured by the Russians, being lined up and deliberately shot. Those who showed signs of life were executed at close range with automatic gunfire.
The brutal treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian forces is a grave violation of human rights and international law. The international community must take action to ensure the safe return of all prisoners and hold those responsible for these atrocities accountable.
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