The UN has accused Ukraine of torture and killings of Russian prisoners of war. These claims are detailed in a new report released on the organization's website.
The report describes executions, torture, and mistreatment of prisoners of war from both sides of the conflict. It notes that since August 2024, there has been a significant increase in "credible reports" of executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russians, with at least 62 victims in 19 separate incidents.
"There have also been documented cases of torture and mistreatment of Russian prisoners of war by Ukrainian authorities, primarily in transit centers during the early stages of their detention. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is investigating two credible reports of the deaths of Russian prisoners of war under such circumstances," it states in the Russian-language version of the UN website.
In the English-language version of the same site, the text is somewhat different. It also mentions the same 62 victims on the Ukrainian side, of which the UN confirmed 15 deaths. However, it goes on to state that all released Ukrainian prisoners from Russian captivity, including women, reported torture and even rape by Russians.
"On the other hand, while the report acknowledges the mistreatment of Russian prisoners of war, particularly during their initial detention by Ukrainian authorities, it notes that these cases appeared more isolated compared to the widespread torture of Ukrainian captives," the English-language version of the UN website continues.
The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada, Dmitry Lubinets, criticized the UN report, accusing it of attempting to equate violations committed by both Russian and Ukrainian sides.
"In fact, the UN equates the scale of violations by Ukraine and the Russian Federation. We all see how Ukrainians return from Russian captivity. They have been subjected to torture, psychological pressure, and denied adequate medical care. They come back home sometimes with injuries that are incompatible with life," the ombudsman writes.
He also emphasized that investigations are already underway regarding known violations of the rights of Russian prisoners of war, as mandated by law.
War Crimes by Russians: Latest News
As reported by UNIAN, the new UN report indicates that from September 1 to November 30, 2024, in Ukraine, including in territories temporarily occupied by Russia, 574 civilians were killed, and over 3000 were injured. Notably, 93% of the victims were in Ukrainian-controlled territory. This refers to those who died as a result of hostilities and shelling.
At the same time, the number of cases of torture, extrajudicial killings, and other crimes is also increasing. Occupiers are attempting to tighten control over the occupied Ukrainian territory.