Amnesty International Report: Executions and Torture of Ukrainian Prisoners of War Continue
Amnesty International has published its annual report on the human rights situation in the world for 2025. The section on Ukraine highlights, among other things, that Ukrainian prisoners of war and detained civilians were subjected to torture and ill-treatment while in Russian captivity. The organization notes that as of December 10, 2025, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine had recorded 322 cases of execution of captured Ukrainian servicemembers by Russian forces.
Released prisoners of war described the widespread use of torture and other forms of inhumane treatment, including food deprivation, denial of medical care, and recurring deaths in custody.
“One prisoner, who had spent 33 months in Russian captivity, weighed only 40 kilograms when Amnesty International representatives spoke with him several weeks after his release in January. Another former prisoner of war died in November at the age of 46 from deteriorating health — six months after his release,” the report states.
Russia continued to block international monitors’ access to prisoners of war held in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and elsewhere, and subjected them to enforced disappearances. Furthermore, captured military personnel were held incommunicado. Such actions constitute violations of the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
By contrast, the organization notes that Russian prisoners of war visited by Amnesty International representatives in Ukraine raised only minor complaints — for example, over the limited range of food in the camp’s store.
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Amnesty International Report: Executions and Torture of Ukrainian Prisoners of War Continue
Amnesty International has published its annual report on the human rights situation in the world for 2025. The section on Ukraine highlights, among other things, that Ukrainian prisoners of war and detained civilians were subjected to torture and ill-treatment while in Russian captivity. The organization notes that as of December 10, 2025, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine had recorded 322 cases of execution of captured Ukrainian servicemembers by Russian forces.
Second Stage of the Easter Prisoner Exchange: 193 Ukrainians Home
On April 24, 2026, the second stage of the Easter prisoner of war exchange between Ukraine and Russia took place, resulting in the return of 193 Ukrainian defenders. These are representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including a significant number of paratroopers. Also returning home are fighters from the Naval Forces, Territorial Defense Forces, National Guard of Ukraine, National Police, State Border Guard Service, and the State Special Transport Service.
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.
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