Human Rights Watch has released a new report confirming that Russian authorities and military personnel are systematically and extensively torturing Ukrainian prisoners of war. The findings were published on December 11 by the international human rights organization.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Widespread Violations of the Geneva Conventions
Human Rights Watch stresses that the documented cases of abuse are not isolated incidents but part of a systemic practice carried out by Russian forces. These actions constitute grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions and qualify as war crimes, potentially even crimes against humanity.
According to HRW, no circumstances can justify torture. The treatment of prisoners of war is strictly regulated by international humanitarian law — norms that Russia continues to openly violate.
Evidence: Hundreds of Interviews and Corroborated Testimonies
The organization analyzed hundreds of interviews with former Ukrainian POWs. Their stories are consistent across cases and describe the same methods of torture, indicating a coordinated and organized system of abuse.
According to the report, Russian personnel use both physical and psychological torture aimed at breaking the dignity and resistance of prisoners. The most frequently reported methods include:
• severe beatings
• forced stress positions
• prolonged sleep deprivation
• mock executions
• electric shocks
• the use of dogs to intimidate or attack
• threats of sexual violence
• constant humiliation and psychological pressure
HRW notes that torture typically begins immediately upon capture and continues throughout the detainees’ time in Russian custody.
Conditions in Detention: Hunger, Lack of Medical Care, and Filth
Thousands of Ukrainian POWs are reportedly held in inhumane conditions. Prisoners describe constant hunger, a lack of medical assistance, and total absence of basic hygiene.
“Russia’s systematic use of torture against Ukrainian prisoners of war is abhorrent and constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law,” said Holly Cartner, HRW’s deputy program director.
Ukraine’s Response
Ukrainian investigative bodies have opened criminal cases based on documented evidence of POW abuse and are working to identify individuals responsible. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has already issued notices of suspicion to members of Russia’s occupation authorities involved in violating the 1949 Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
