Human Rights Commissioner: Russia Has Executed at Least 268 Ukrainian POWs

As of early July, Russia has executed at least 268 Ukrainian prisoners of war, according to Ukraine’s Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets, The Gaze reports, citing Ukrinform.

He suggested that the executions are likely being carried out under the direction of the highest levels of Russia’s military command.

“According to our data, as of today, an investigation is underway into the execution of 268 Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian soldiers. And we see that this number has risen dramatically over the past year,” Lubinets stated during a press conference marking his third year in office.

He emphasized that such actions could not occur within the Russian Federation without systemic approval from senior leadership.

“We understand that this treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war is sanctioned at the very top, so to speak. Unfortunately, we are seeing this in reality,” he added.

The Office of the Human Rights Commissioner continues to document evidence of war crimes and mistreatment of POWs, calling for increased international pressure and accountability for Russian violations of international humanitarian law.

As The Gaze previously reported, Ukraine has secured the release of a group of young and wounded defenders from Russian captivity in a new prisoner swap conducted under the Istanbul agreements.