Overview
- The Prosecutor-General’s Office reports at least 147 Ukrainian prisoners of war executed since 2022, including 127 this year, indicating a sharp rise.
- Prosecutors opened a pre-trial investigation after two captured Ukrainian soldiers were shot in Shakhove on Dec. 27, with details posted by the office on Telegram.
- Major Oleh Shyriaiev says his unit routinely intercepts communications in which Russian commanders order the killing of surrendering servicemen, calling the practice systematic over the past 18 months.
- Video evidence cited by reporters includes footage, such as a Nov. 19 drone clip near Pokrovsk, that appears to show unarmed captives being shot.
- The UN human rights mission notes an increase in alleged Russian abuses since mid-November, while Moscow denies wrongdoing and says POWs are treated in line with international law.