Ukrainian POW deaths in Russian custody spark war crime outrage
Over 200 Ukrainian prisoners of war have died in Russian prisons since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, reports the AP agency, citing information from non-governmental organizations, the UN, and Ukrainian authorities.
What do you need to know?
- Over 200 Ukrainian prisoners of war have died in Russian prisons since the start of Russia's full-scale assault on Ukraine. This information comes from an AP agency report based on data from non-governmental organizations, the UN, and the Ukrainian government.
- Russia has handed over more than 5,000 prisoners of war or their bodies to Ukraine, of which 206 died in prisons. Many of these deaths are attributed to violence against the detainees.
- Ukraine plans to sue Russia for war crimes in the International Criminal Court, related to the mistreatment of captured soldiers.
What are the causes of death for Ukrainian prisoners?
According to the AP agency report, many deaths of Ukrainian prisoners in Russian prisons result from violence against detainees. Ukrainian officials indicate that the bodies handed over by Russia are often mutilated or in a state of decay, which may suggest attempts to hide torture, starvation, and poor medical care. - These injuries may not always be the direct cause of death but they clearly indicate the use of force and torture against the servicemen – said Inna Padei, a Ukrainian doctor who conducted the autopsies.
What actions is Ukraine taking?
Ukraine intends to sue Russia for war crimes in the International Criminal Court. A 2024 UN report indicates that 95% of released Ukrainian prisoners were subjected to torture and maltreatment. Amnesty International has also confirmed the widespread use of torture against Ukrainian prisoners in Russia. The organization criticized Moscow's secrecy regarding the locations and conditions of the prisoners' detention.
What are the difficulties in establishing the causes of death?
Forensic experts have significant difficulty determining the cause of death of prisoners whose bodies have been returned to Ukraine. In some cases, internal organs are missing, and in others, attempts seem to have been made to conceal injuries. - Under normal or humane conditions, these would not have been fatal – noted Padei, referring to cases of heart failure, tuberculosis, or pneumonia as causes of death among young soldiers.
