UN Expresses Deep Concern Over Summary Executions of Prisoners of War in Ukraine and Russia

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations (UN) has voiced its deep concern over the summary executions of prisoners of war (POWs) by both Ukrainian and Russian forces on the battlefield. The allegations came after Kyiv accused Russian forces of killing a captured Ukrainian serviceman who was filmed saying "Glory to Ukraine" before being shot dead. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has documented killings by both sides, with up to 25 Russian POWs allegedly being executed by Ukrainian forces.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, led by Matilda Bogner, has documented summary executions of up to 25 Russian POWs by Ukrainian forces and 15 Ukrainian POWs by Russian armed forces.
  • The Wagner mercenary group, which claims to be leading Russia's assault on Bakhmut, is alleged to be responsible for 11 of the Ukrainian POW executions.
  • Ukrainian military personnel have subjected POWs to death threats, mock executions, and threats of sexual violence, according to a UN report.
  • POWs reported being tortured, beaten, and subjected to electric shocks to extract information or as punishment.
  • Some POWs suffered severe physical injuries, including broken ribs, arms, or legs, and were denied medical attention.
  • The Ukrainian parliament's human rights commissioner, Dmytro Lubinets, expressed surprise over the allegations against Ukrainian troops and requested information on the UN report.

Statistics:

  • Up to 25 Russian POWs allegedly executed by Ukrainian forces.
  • 15 Ukrainian POWs allegedly executed by Russian armed forces.
  • 11 executions attributed to the Wagner mercenary group.
  • 22 Ukrainian POWs killed in five separate cases, with ongoing investigations by Ukraine authorities.
  • 11 Russian POWs reported being beaten with shovels, stabbed, and subjected to electric shocks.

Sources:

  • DW News (No date specified)
  • BSS, "UN 'concerned' over summary executions of prisoners of war" (No date specified)
  • UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (No date specified)