Kirovsk Penal Colony No. 33

Kirovsk Correctional Colony No. 33 is a penal institution in Russia where Ukrainian prisoners of war, including Azov servicemen, were held. Testimonies indicate systematic abuse, forced labour in extreme weather conditions, and targeted humiliation of POWs identified as particularly resilient or patriotic.

Testimonies reveal violent and degrading treatment. Abuse was more severe for those perceived as professional or patriotiс, particularly Azov servicemen, Marines, contract soldiers, or anyone speaking Ukrainian or having national symbols. Prisoners reported being shaved completely, including body hair, and mocked, “Because you’re Azov, we’ll shave your eyebrows too”. 

POWs reported forced labour in harsh weather without appropriate clothing, including digging frozen ground, uprooting stumps, and hauling heavy metal rails. Guards mocked signs of frostbite, calling prisoners “drunks” for their swollen noses and ears.

No direct information is available regarding the provision or denial of medical care in Kirovsk Correctional Colony No. 33. However, despite the absence of detailed testimonies, it is highly likely that prisoners of war were denied even basic medical assistance.

Nutrition was insufficient and harmful. POWs suffered from chronic diarrhoea and gastrointestinal issues due to spoiled or undercooked food, including raw bread. Severe malnutrition led to physical deterioration, including leg swelling from hunger. One prisoner reported losing 31 kilograms of mass and weighing only 57 kg upon release.

There is limited direct testimony on specific psychological methods used in Kirovsk Colony No. 33. However, forced labour, targeted humiliation and physical degradation contributed to sustained psychological harm.

“They forced everyone to kneel in the snow and shouted, “Are there any officers? This motherf***er goes first!” At that moment, they shoved me from behind. I fell to my knees. Then they grabbed me by the leg, and I fell down. One of them stepped on one arm, the other stepped on the other. After that, I don’t remember anything. They started beating me with batons, and I blacked out” – Anatolii Mikheiev, Azov officer. 

“Our legs were swollen from starvation, the lack of protein, and other micronutrients. Because of the poor quality of food and the half-baked bread, prisoners suffered from constant diarrhoea and stomach problems” – Anatolii Mikheiev.