Skilled report alleges systematic abuse of Ukrainian POWs by Russia

Russia is systematically mistreating and killing Ukrainian prisoners of warfare, an professional report commissioned by the Group for Safety and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) mentioned on Thursday.

The report, compiled by three impartial worldwide regulation consultants from France, the Czech Republic and Sweden, says torture and executions are widespread.

“These violations might represent warfare crimes and, in some circumstances, arguably, crimes towards humanity,” the consultants wrote of their report for the 57-member regional safety group.

The crew advisable that the Worldwide Prison Courtroom (ICC) in The Hague examine the incidents. The ICC is already probing alleged abductions of Ukrainian youngsters and assaults on civilian targets in Ukraine.

In line with the report, credible proof reveals the usage of rifle butts, shovels, electrical shocks and canines on detainees, whereas practically 43% of launched POWs report being subjected to sexual violence.

Whereas no definitive variety of POW killings outdoors fight is offered, the OSCE crew famous that the UN Human Rights Workplace had documented credible proof of 194 battlefield executions to Could 2025, alongside reported killings in detention amenities.

The report additionally cites statements by Russian army commanders and officers urging ruthless therapy of prisoners.

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, who’s the present deputy chairman of the Russian Safety Council, was reported as saying: “They don’t have any proper to life. Execute, execute, execute.”

For the reason that begin of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, an estimated 13,500 Ukrainian troopers have been captured, the report says. Of those, about 6,800 have been launched, whereas 6,300 stay in captivity.

The findings are primarily based on testimony from former prisoners, Ukrainian officers, reviews from worldwide organizations, and different proof. Russia didn’t cooperate with the investigation.