In the reality of POWs in Russian captivity

the reality of POWs in Russian captivity

Inferno is a project dedicated to documenting and systematising information from open sources about the conditions in which prisoners are held in Russian captivity.

Ukrainian prisoners of war endure systematic torture, psychological abuse, denial of medical care, and starvation in Russian captivity. Each of these practices is part of a deliberate state policy by Russia aimed at crushing Ukrainian resistance and erasing national identity.

At Inferno, we are committed to ensuring that crimes are not forgotten. We collect data, amplify the voices of prisoners, and advocate for accountability. The fight for justice continues — and we will not stop until it is won.

Map

List

Сlick on red-marked locations to uncover what Ukrainian POWs face in Russian captivity.

The map is based on open-source information and data from the Media Initiative for Human Rights

Сlick on a card to uncover what Ukrainian POWs face in Russian captivity.

Russia (RF)

Temporarily Occupied territories (TOT)

Makiivka Penal Colony No. 32 Sverdlovsk Penal Colony No. 38 Sukhodilsk Penal Colony No. 36 Kirovsk Penal Colony No. 33 Sokolohirsk (former Pervomaisk) Converted Detention Site Kalinin Penal Colony No. 27 Donetsk Pre-Trial Detention Centre No. 5 Volnovakha Penal Colony No. 120, Olenivka

Russia (RF)

Rostov-on-Don Pre-Trial Detention Centre No. 1

Voronezh Pre-trial detention center No. 1

Russia (RF)

Voronezh Pre-Trial Detention Centre No. 1

Russia (RF)

Biysk Pre-Trial Detention Centre No. 2

Russia (RF)

Kizel Pre-Trial Detention Centre No. 2

Russia (RF)

Kamensk-Shakhtinsky Penal Colony No. 12

Russia (RF)

Kashin Pre-Trial Detention Centre No. 2

Azov

Exchanges

POWs

Pre-Easter Exchange: 182 Ukrainians Return from Captivity

On April 11, 2026, on the eve of Eastern Christian Easter, Ukraine managed to return 172 servicemen and 7 civilians from Russian captivity. Among those released are privates, sergeants, and officers, the majority of whom were taken prisoner as far back as 2022. The youngest of the freed is 22 years old, while the oldest has turned 63. Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets noted that those returned are in serious condition, suffering from injuries and severe psychological distress.

Azov

POWs

Rostov Court sentences three more «Azov» prisoners of war

The Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, has handed down verdicts against three prisoners of war from the «Azov» Brigade who defended the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. This was reported by Mediazona. All three prisoners of war face charges related to their service in «Azov», which Russia has designated a terrorist organization.

Azov

POWs

UN Commission: Russia’s unlawful trials of Ukrainians constitute war crimes

Fabricated evidence, unfair trials, testimonies extracted under torture, and other serious violations have been documented by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. The Commission examined trials conducted by the Russian Federation in the context of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and concluded that Russian courts have violated international humanitarian law, which constitutes a war crime.

Exchanges

POWs

POW exchange: 500 servicemen and two civilians returned to Ukraine under agreements reached in Geneva

On 5-6 March 2026, a two-day exchange of prisoners of war took place between Ukraine and Russia. On the first day, 200 military personnel returned to Ukraine, and on the second day, another 300. Separately, two civilians were also returned. The exchange was made possible by agreements reached in Geneva with the mediation of the United States.

Azov

POWs

War Crimes

Illegal sentences for Azov POWs: two Russian judges were notified of suspicion of a war crime

The Office of the Prosecutor General has notified two judges of the Southern District Military Court of the Russian Federation that they are suspected of committing a war crime – violating the right of prisoners of war to a fair and proper trial (Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

POWs

War Crimes

A Show Trial System: Russia Mass-Sentences Ukrainian POWs on Fabricated Charges

“I asked what crime I had committed, what evidence you have.” The answer was brief: “You were in Azov.” Show trials, torture-induced confessions, and fabricated charges constitute a systemic violation of international humanitarian law by Russia. Ukrainians in captivity are forced to endure this process, receiving sentences of 15, 25 years, or even life imprisonment.

Azov

Exchanges

POWs

questions & answers

Inferno is an independent platform documenting prisons where Ukrainian prisoners of war are held by Russia. We collect and systematise open-source data to expose the full scale of abuse and human rights violations.

We rely on verified sources: testimonies of released POWs, investigative journalism, official documents, human rights reports, and open databases.

Yes. If you have credible information about a place of detention or the treatment of Ukrainian POWs, including testimonies, documents, or media, you can submit it through our contact form. You may choose to remain anonymous.

This project is run by a team of human rights defenders, journalists, and volunteers committed to exposing the truth and bringing every POW home.

Spread the word. Share the stories and raise awareness about Russia’s blatant violations of international law. Urge the International Committee of the Red Cross to take decisive action, fulfil its mandate, and gain access to Ukrainian POWs to verify their locations and conditions. Join or organise rallies in your city to remind the world of Ukrainian POWs and the horrific conditions they are held in. Support Ukraine’s defenders, donate to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. A Ukrainian victory is the most effective path to bringing our POWs home.

You can make a difference

Have a question, a message, or something important to share?

Whether it’s information, a concern, or a word of support, we want to hear from you.

Every voice matters.

This is not just a database. It’s a promise

A promise to every prisoner of war that they are not forgotten.

A promise to the world that we will not look away. That we will confront the truth and speak it out loud.

A promise to the future, that the facts will be preserved, that every act of cruelty will be recorded, and that justice, though delayed, will be pursued.

This project is a record, a witness, and a demand. Until every prisoner of war comes home, we will keep telling the world – they exist, they resist, and they matter.