War Crime and Violation of the Geneva Conventions: EU Strongly Condemns Executions of Ukrainian Prisoners of War by Russia

The killing of Ukrainian prisoners of war by the Russian invaders has become systematic and constitutes a war crime and a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law that will not go unpunished. This is stated in the statement of the EU High Representative.

 ‘The European Union strongly condemns these killings, which are yet another abhorrent example of Russian brutality against the people of Ukraine. These cases are appalling and represent grave violations of the Geneva Conventions. They demonstrate Russia's ongoing and systematic disrespect for international law, in particular international humanitarian law. Russia has clear obligations under the United Nations Charter and international law that it must comply with,’ the document says.

The text cites data from reliable sources that at least 177 Ukrainian prisoners of war have died in Russian captivity since the beginning of Russia's aggressive war. Reportedly, nine Ukrainian prisoners of war were shot dead by Russian troops in the Kursk region on 10 October. 16 Ukrainian prisoners of war were executed by Russian troops in Donetsk region after they surrendered.

The document also points to the fact that Russian public figures openly call for the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war and glorify such executions, calling for their increase. This once again demonstrates the true nature of the Kremlin regime. 

The UN Office for Human Rights has already confirmed the systematic use of torture against Ukrainian prisoners of war by their Russian captors, including sexual violence. The EU has strongly condemned the lack of access to the outside world for Russian prisoners and the denial of humanitarian access to independent observers.