**Ukrainian POWs Executed by Russian Forces**
A shocking rise in executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) by Russian forces has been reported. According to a press release from the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission, 79 such executions have taken place since August 2024.
These incidents were recorded in 24 separate events, with some possibly being group executions. The mission analyzed videos and photos showing killings or dead bodies of Ukrainian POWs.
**Widespread Violations**
Ukrainian authorities have documented widespread violations of the Geneva Conventions by Russia during the war. As of mid-December 2024, Kyiv had recorded the execution of 177 captured Ukrainian soldiers, with 109 of them killed last year.
The U.N. mission interviewed witnesses and analyzed videos and photos showing the killings of unarmed and wounded Ukrainian soldiers who were in the custody of Russian forces.
**Russian Public Figures Call for Executions**
At least three public figures have called for the execution of captured Ukrainian soldiers, according to the mission. Social media posts made by Russian military-linked groups also condoned such actions.
Danielle Bell, head of the mission, said that these incidents did not occur in a vacuum and must be investigated.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com