UN Reports Sharp Increase in Executions of Ukrainian POWs by Russian Forces

The UN documented 79 executions of Ukrainian soldiers since August 2024, citing violations of international humanitarian law.

The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission has recorded 79 executions of captured Ukrainian soldiers by Russian forces in 24 incidents since August 2024.
Witness accounts describe Ukrainian soldiers being shot dead after surrendering or while in Russian custody, including unarmed and injured individuals.
The UN also documented the execution of a wounded Russian soldier by Ukrainian forces, highlighting violations on both sides of the conflict.
Russian public figures and social media posts have reportedly called for inhumane treatment and execution of Ukrainian POWs, raising concerns about incitement to war crimes.
Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office has launched a criminal investigation into alleged war crimes after video evidence surfaced of Russian soldiers executing six unarmed Ukrainian prisoners in Donetsk.