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  • Rostov-on-Don Pre-Trial Detention Centre No. 5

    Location:

    Rostov-on-Don

    Region of Detention:

    Russia

    Type of Facility:

    Pre-Trial Detention Centre

    Operational Status:

    Active

    The pre-trial detention centre No. 5 in Rostov-on-Don is one of the known locations where Ukrainian prisoners of war, specifically members of the Azov Brigade, have been held following their capture. In May 2022, Russian state media reported that some Azov POWs were transferred there.

    In July 2024, Azov POW Oleksandr Ishchenko died in Pre-Trial Detention Centre No. 5. An autopsy revealed multiple rib fractures and blunt chest trauma consistent with beatings and torture. His death resulted from traumatic shock caused by “contact with a blunt object”.

    Photo from publicly available sources

    There is no information about the provision of medical care at this facility. However, the death of Oleksandr Ishchenko indicates gross medical negligence.

    While being kept in Rostov-on-Don Pre-Trial Detention Centre No. 5, Azov servicemen faced charges including the seizure of power, organising terrorist activities, and training for terrorism. The Russian prosecution has requested sentences ranging from 16 to 24 years in high-security penal colonies.

    Overview

    The pre-trial detention centre No. 5 in Rostov-on-Don is one of the known locations where Ukrainian prisoners of war, specifically members of the Azov Brigade, have been held following their capture. In May 2022, Russian state media reported that some Azov POWs were transferred there.

    Torture & Abuse

    In July 2024, Azov POW Oleksandr Ishchenko died in Pre-Trial Detention Centre No. 5. An autopsy revealed multiple rib fractures and blunt chest trauma consistent with beatings and torture. His death resulted from traumatic shock caused by “contact with a blunt object”.

    Photo from publicly available sources

    Medical Care

    There is no information about the provision of medical care at this facility. However, the death of Oleksandr Ishchenko indicates gross medical negligence.

    Psychological Pressure

    While being kept in Rostov-on-Don Pre-Trial Detention Centre No. 5, Azov servicemen faced charges including the seizure of power, organising terrorist activities, and training for terrorism. The Russian prosecution has requested sentences ranging from 16 to 24 years in high-security penal colonies.

    News October 23, 2026
    Azov
    Exchanges
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    Ukraine brings home 270 Ukrainians from Russian captivity, including 35 Azov POWs

    On 23 October, 270 Ukrainians were returned from Russian captivity: 261 servicemen and 9 civilians. Those released include members of the Navy, Land Forces, Air Assault Forces, State Special Transport Service, Territorial Defence Forces, Special Operations Forces and Military Law Enforcement Service, as well as the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service and a rescuer from the State Emergency Service.

    News September 19, 2026
    POWs

    ICRC confirms it has had no access to Ukrainian POWs for two years

    Russia has denied the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access to Ukrainian prisoners of war held in Russian detention since 2024. “We can confirm the lack of access to POWs in Russia since 2024,” an ICRC spokesperson told Reuters on September 18. 

    News September 10, 2026
    Lethal Cases
    POWs

    Citizens of 51 Countries Held as Prisoners of War in Ukraine

    Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine have announced the launch of StopRussianRecruiters.org, an information platform documenting and exposing Russia’s deceptive recruitment of foreign nationals into its armed forces. The project also provides information about foreign prisoners of war held in Ukraine and calls on the governments of their respective countries to take diplomatic action to secure their return.

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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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