Ukraine returned 150 defenders from Russian captivity, some held over 2 years
"For them and their families, this day carries more weight than all the years of waiting," President Zelenskyy said.
Browsing Tag
Ukrainian POWs
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UN reports 574 Ukrainian civilians killed in fall 2024 by Russian attacks
OHCHR’s report also cites Russian attacks damaging infrastructure, grave humanitarian law violations, torture, and 62 executions.
Russia offers largest yet 630-for-630 POW swap to Ukraine
The Russian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson reportedly announced this, stating that Russia leaves it to Ukraine to decide which Russian military personnel to include in exchanges.
Russians execute unarmed, wounded Ukrainian POW on camera as international bodies struggle to respond
Ukrainian authorities have documented over hundred cases of soldiers killed while attempting to surrender, with the latest footage showing Russian forces shooting an unidentified man at point-blank range.
Kadyrov claims Ukrainian POWs used as human shields at military sites in Chechnya
On 29 October, a Ukrainian drone strike targeted a military university in Gudermes, named after Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking the first attack on the territory of Chechnya.
Russian forces execute two unarmed Ukrainian soldiers at close range in Donetsk Oblast
The killing of prisoners of war is considered a grave breach of the Geneva Conventions, which Russia has violated multiple times before.
95 Ukrainian defenders return from Russian captivity, including Azov fighters and POWs facing life sentences
Among those released was Maksym Butkevych, a Ukrainian human rights activist and serviceman, who was captured near Luhansk in 2022 and sentenced to 13 years in Russia. The exchange also saw the return of Vladyslav Andrianov, an Azov fighter who survived the Olenivka prison massacre and faced a 25-year sentence in Russia.
Forbes: Russian marines’ atrocities spark targeted retaliation from Ukrainian forces
Russian marines executed nine Ukrainian drone operators, prompting retaliatory attacks from Ukrainian air assault brigades.
Russians execute nine Ukrainian POWs in Kursk Oblast
Ukraine's Ombudsman Lubinets has informed the UN and ICRC about the reported execution of nine Ukrainian prisoners of war.
Zelenskyy seeks Pope’s help to free Ukrainian prisoners held in Russia
The President reportedly presented his "victory plan" and invited Vatican participation in a POW conference.
Surge in executions of Ukrainian POWs potentially link to changed Russian policy
Ukrainian prosecutor suggested that the recent surge in prisoner of war (POW) killings by the Russians is difficult to view as isolated events, given their frequent occurrence across various Russian units and regions.
“I broke everyone and will do the same to you”: Russian authorities torture Ukrainians with a sense of impunity
A UN commission has found that Russian forces are systematically using sexual violence as a form of torture against Ukrainian prisoners. The report highlights a disturbing pattern of abuse, with male detainees particularly targeted in custody, while women in Russian-controlled villages face heightened risk of rape.
Ukraine swaps 103 POWs, including 23 Azovstal defenders from Azov Brigade
Ukraine exchanged POWs with Russia, bringing home 103 defenders, including 82 privates and sergeants, and 21 officers. The freed soldiers are from various military units, with many held captive since the all-out war's early days.
Ukraine restricts Russian POWs’ phone privileges in response to executions of Ukrainians
Ukraine has suspended the privilege of Russian POWs to make phone calls home. They will retain their right to send letters home in accordance with the Geneva Convention, which doesn't guarantee phone call privileges for POWs.
Russia attempts to force POW families into spying and conducting acts of sabotage, Ukraine warns
The Coordination Headquarters urges the families of Ukrainian prisoners of war not to cooperate with the Russians.
More than 95% of Ukrainian prisoners of war tortured in Russia – UN Mission
Danielle Bell, head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, highlighted the stark contrast in the treatment of Russian prisoners of war in Ukraine, where authorities provide unrestricted access to detention facilities and ensure conditions that comply with humanitarian law.
