UN documents cases of Russian military abuse of Ukrainian POWs
Photo: The UN received confirmation of Russian abuse from hundreds of Ukrainians (Getty Images)
The UN has documented systematic torture of Ukrainian prisoners in the occupied territories, according to a report from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Russians are subjecting civilian Ukrainian prisoners in the occupied territories to torture in a "widespread and systematic" manner, including sexual violence.
This finding was established after UN investigators interviewed 216 Ukrainian civilians who had been released from captivity since June 2023. The report states that 92% of those interviewed confirmed they had experienced torture or ill-treatment while in captivity.
Survivors described "severe beatings and electric shocks, mock executions." In addition, Russians threatened prisoners with death or violence against them or their relatives.
The report notes that arbitrary arrests are occurring on the streets in the occupied territories, followed by charges based on shifting legal grounds, with detentions potentially lasting for years.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine is seeking a format for the return of civilians from Russian captivity. He emphasized that Ukraine is preparing lists of political prisoners and journalists for exchange with Russia.
Since civilian exchanges are currently impossible, this issue requires a special approach.
It has also been reported that Ukrainian specialists, using OSINT technology, determined that more than 2,500 Ukrainian soldiers have been taken prisoner.
Artur Dobroserdov, Commissioner for Persons Missing under Special Circumstances, noted that prisoners of war retain missing-person status until they are returned.
Read more about how Ukrainians endure the pain of uncertain loss in a report by RBC-Ukraine.
