The European Union condemns the increasing executions by Russian forces of Ukrainian prisoners of War (POWs), describing these killings as “grave violations of the Geneva Conventions”, and a demonstration that Russia “continues to disregard international law in a systematic and continued manner.”
Since the beginnings of 2024, Russian forces are increasing the executions of Ukrainian POWs. This includes incidents such as the mass killings in Donetsk, and Kursk oblasts of unarmed soldiers. Russian military bloggers and Kremlin affiliated channels have glorified the executions by presenting them as justified war and encouraging further brutality.
In Russian prisons, Ukrainian POWs are subjected severe abuse and torture. 95% of them have suffered electric shocks, beatings with metal bars, starvation and severe psychological abuse. Both men and woman are subjected to sexual violence while in captivity. This exacerbates the trauma they suffer.
The EU also criticised the lack of access for prisoners to the outside world and the refusal of independent monitors to gain humanitarian access. Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion in Ukraine, at least 177 Ukrainian prisoners of war have died while being held by Russian forces.
The EU also noted that some Russian public officials have publicly called for the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war, and even glorified it. This, according to the EU, reveals “the true nature of the Kremlin regime.”
The EU reiterated their commitment to hold all perpetrators of war crimes committed by Russia against Ukraine and their accomplices accountable.
On 10 October, Ukrainian drones captured footage of Russian forces disarming and shooting nine Ukrainian prisoners in Kursk Oblast.
Only a few days earlier, on the 1st of October, 16 POWs had been reportedly executed in Donetsk Oblast by Russian forces following their surrender.
These acts are considered serious violations of the Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
In response to the mistreatment suffered by Ukrainian POWs while in Ukraine’s custody, Ukraine has implemented restrictions regarding phone calls for Russian POWs. Russian prisoners are still allowed to send home letters, but this policy change is intended to address the mistreatment of Ukrainian POWs held in Russian captivity.
* ISW: Russian milbloggers glorify the execution of Ukrainian POWs and frame them as acceptable war
The Russian policy may be behind the increase in executions of Ukrainian prisoners
Azov Brigade reports that 3 Ukrainians surrendered to Russian soldiers and were executed by them
* Ukraine investigates the execution of 16 POWs in Pokrovsk Sector by Russian troops
* Ukraine restricts Russian prisoners of war’s phone privileges as a response to the executions of Ukrainians
* Ukraine investigates execution of POWs near Robotyne by Russian forces
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