Russia forms military unit from Ukrainian POWs in violation of the Geneva Convention
Russia has formed a new military unit made up of Ukrainian prisoners of war and former servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The creation of the so-called “First Ukrainian Volunteer Special Purpose Brigade” became known on August 6. The unit was incorporated into the “Volunteer Corps” of Russia’s Ministry of Defense.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) notes that forming combat units from Ukrainian prisoners of war contradicts international humanitarian law. Using POWs in hostilities violates their protected status under the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
The creation of such units also poses an additional risk to the prisoners themselves. Given the systematic violence, torture, and psychological pressure in Russian places of detention, claims that prisoners “voluntarily” joined the Russian forces are highly questionable.
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Russia forms military unit from Ukrainian POWs in violation of the Geneva Convention
Russia has formed a new military unit made up of Ukrainian prisoners of war and former servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The creation of the so-called "First Ukrainian Volunteer Special Purpose Brigade" became known on August 6. The unit was incorporated into the "Volunteer Corps" of Russia's Ministry of Defense.
Fourth anniversary of the Olenivka attack: memorial installation unveiled in Kyiv
A permanent memorial installation commemorating the victims of the Russian terrorist attack in Olenivka has been unveiled at Mykhailivska Square in Kyiv, the Association of Azovstal Defenders’ Families announced.
EU imposed sanctions on the heads and staff of colonies where Ukrainian POWs are tortured
On 13 July, the Council of the European Union adopted a decision imposing restrictive measures on 15 individuals and one entity responsible for violations of the rights of Ukrainian prisoners of war and unlawfully detained civilians. Most of those listed are heads and staff of penal colonies where prisoners are held.
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