A recent report by U.N.-backed human rights experts has revealed new evidence of widespread and systematic torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian authorities. The Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine highlighted the 'horrific treatment' of POWs, including beatings, verbal abuse, electric shocks, and deprivation of food and water at various sites in Russia.
The commission emphasized that such practices could amount to war crimes and pointed to the ongoing civilian suffering resulting from the conflict that began more than two years ago when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine.
The report detailed instances of Russian forces showing little regard for the safety of civilians during military operations, with incidents of rape and sexual violence against women being described as torture. The commission also highlighted a sexualized dimension of torture of male Ukrainian prisoners of war.
Furthermore, the relocation of children from southern Ukraine to Russian-occupied Crimea was flagged as potentially constituting the war crime of unlawful transfer, with concerns raised about the permanency of the move.
While acknowledging a few human rights violations by Ukrainian authorities against individuals suspected of collaborating with Russia, the report primarily focused on the extensive mistreatment of Ukrainian prisoners by Russian forces.
The commission conducted numerous visits to Ukraine and interviewed over 1,400 individuals over the past two years to compile its findings. One harrowing account shared in the report described a former Ukrainian detainee enduring severe physical abuse, resulting in multiple hospitalizations and lasting injuries.
Despite cooperation from Ukrainian authorities, the commission noted a lack of responsiveness from Russian officials, who failed to engage with the requests for meetings, access, and information made by the investigative team.
