The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission has recorded a “alarming rise” in the execution of captured Ukrainian soldiers by Russian forces. On Monday, the mission reported 79 executions in 24 separate incidents since late August last year.
Executions Violate International Law
International humanitarian law bans the execution of prisoners of war and the wounded. The UN states that such acts are war crimes.
“Many Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered or were in physical custody of the Russian armed forces were shot dead on the spot. Witness accounts also described the killings of unarmed and injured Ukrainian soldiers,” the UN said.
Ukraine Demands Urgent Action
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the killings and urged immediate international action.
“Russia’s horrific executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war demonstrate that Ukraine confronts true beasts,” he wrote on X. “We need new and effective international legal tools, and concrete steps to hold the perpetrators accountable.”
The Russian defense ministry has not responded to the allegations.
UN Collects Video and Witness Evidence
The UN analyzed videos and photos from Ukrainian and Russian sources. These materials confirmed executions and displayed the bodies of dead soldiers. The mission also interviewed witnesses. The executions occurred in areas where Russian forces carried out attacks.
Danielle Bell, head of the UN mission, said some Russian officials had “explicitly called for inhumane treatment, and even execution” of captured Ukrainian soldiers.
Ukrainian Soldier Also Executed a Russian POW
The UN also documented an execution by Ukrainian forces. It confirmed that Ukrainian troops killed a wounded and incapacitated Russian soldier in 2024 but did not give further details.
Ukraine Investigates War Crimes
Ukraine’s prosecutor’s office is investigating dozens of cases where Russian forces executed Ukrainian soldiers.
As violence escalates, the UN urges accountability and respect for international law.