Rising atrocities: Calls for justice as Ukraine condemns Russian war crimes
Russia is increasingly conducting executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war, declared Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiha. He called on the international community to take immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice, including issuing arrest warrants through the International Criminal Court.
Minister Sybiha emphasized that the torture and execution of Ukrainian prisoners by the Russian side represents "absolute barbarism, grave violation of international humanitarian law, laws and customs of war." According to him, executions of prisoners are becoming more frequent.
Shocking UN report
Sybiha referred to United Nations data, which states that 95 percent of Ukrainian prisoners of war are subjected to torture, and they do not have the means to meet basic life necessities or access medical assistance. He also added that the International Criminal Court should immediately address this issue by issuing arrest warrants for "Russian executioners and torturers."
- International community must take immediate action. Issue ICC arrest warrants for Russian executioners and torturers - Sybiha noted, also calling for a strengthening of sanctions against Russia and for allowing international observers into places where prisoners are held.
The minister also called for accelerated actions aimed at freeing Ukrainian prisoners of war and all other individuals who are being held illegally.
Proceedings on the alleged execution
Earlier, as reported by the "Ukrainska Pravda" portal, citing the Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets and a group of military analysts, Russians executed nine Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region in western Russia. These executions took place on October 9th, in an area where Ukrainians have been conducting a military operation since August of this year.
The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine has already initiated proceedings in this matter.
