Amnesty International records 109 executions of Ukrainian POWs over past year
Photo: Amnesty International recorded 109 executions of Ukrainian soldiers in captivity (Russian media)
The Amnesty International international human rights organization recorded 109 executions of Ukrainian soldiers in captivity over the past year. The state register contains data on approximately 55,000 missing persons, Ukrinform reports.
Over the past year, Amnesty International has recorded 109 executions of Ukrainian soldiers in captivity, as well as the systematic torture of prisoners of war by Russian forces.
"Almost all Ukrainian prisoners of war we interviewed testified that torture is systemic and occurs at all levels — during initial processing upon capture and throughout their entire captivity. This includes electric shocks, sexual violence, and other forms of abuse," said Veronika Velch, director of Amnesty International Ukraine.
Former prisoner of war Volodymyr Shevchenko, who spent more than two years in Russian captivity, spoke to human rights defenders about torture and the denial of medical assistance.
"They started torturing us immediately. They used electric shock batons — special sticks that cause extreme pain. I saw men start dying from it. Their hearts just couldn't take it," he said.
According to Amnesty International’s Deafening Silence: Enforced Disappearances, Incommunicado Detention, and Torture of Ukrainian Prisoners of War by Russia report, thousands of Ukrainians remain captive in Russia and occupied territories. Most Ukrainian POWs are held without any contact with the outside world, leaving their families with little to no information about their fate, status, or whereabouts.
"In nearly 100% of cases, Ukrainian prisoners of war are held in complete isolation. Among 43 interviewed POWs and their families, only five reported receiving a letter or phone call, and even then, only if they agreed to be interviewed for Russian television," Velch noted.
Human rights organizations emphasize that Russian authorities deny international organizations access to Ukrainian prisoners of war.
Missing Ukrainians
Amnesty International reminded that the state register contains data on approximately 55,000 missing Ukrainians, whom human rights defenders believe to be in captivity.
"Of the 3,767 prisoners of war who were exchanged and returned to Ukraine, 25% were unconfirmed individuals and subjects of enforced disappearance. Russia deliberately withheld any information about these POWs, using this as a means of manipulation and pressure," said Veronika Velch.
In December, Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported that in 2024 alone, 109 cases of the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian soldiers had been confirmed. Intelligence and law enforcement agencies have repeatedly provided information on Russia’s frequent violations of POW rights.
