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  • 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.

    Sites of detention

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

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

    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

    News June 5, 2026
    Azov
    Exchanges
    POWs

    “We are all significantly falling short,” Denys Prokopenko comments on the 75th prisoner exchange

    On June 5, 2026, the 75th prisoner exchange took place. As part of the exchange, 185 prisoners of war and one civilian – who had been held captive by the Russians since 2022 – returned to Ukraine. This was reported by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, which expressed gratitude to the United States and the UAE for their assistance in organizing the exchange.

    The leaving of Azov soldiers from the Azovstal plant
    News May 28, 2026
    Media
    POWs
    War Crimes

    “Honorable Captivity” of Azov: Civic Evidence Publishes Report on the Fate of Azov Fighters in Russian Captivity

    The independent initiative Civic Evidence has released a comprehensive report titled “‘Honorable Captivity’ of Azov: The System of Propaganda, Violence, and Criminal Prosecution of Servicemembers of the National Guard of Ukraine in the Russian Federation.” The report details the fate of the «Azov» service members in Russian captivity, illustrating how propaganda narratives, systemic violence, and the Russian judicial system cooperate to construct a negative image of the fighters and justify their heinous mistreatment.

    News May 25, 2026
    Media
    POWs
    War Crimes

    “Made in Russia. Delivered to Captivity”: Project on Russia’s Crimes Against POWs Presented in Kyiv

    The project "Made in Russia. Delivered to Captivity" was presented in Kyiv. The event marks the 4th anniversary of the Mariupol garrison's withdrawal from "Azovstal" after 86 days of heroic defense of the city. Back then, under the provided guarantees, the defenders of Mariupol fulfilled the order of the higher command to save lives. However, the Russian Federation violated these guarantees—the majority of the "Azovstal" defenders are now in their fifth year of suffering from daily crimes in Russian captivity.

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    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.

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