Russians kill Ukrainian POWs “more frequently,” Kyiv appeals for international action

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has urgently called for international action following reports of Russian forces executing nine Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. Sybiha demanded ICC arrest warrants for the perpetrators and increased sanctions against Russia.

Multiple reports indicate that Russian forces have systematically executed Ukrainian POWs during the ongoing war, violating international laws like the Geneva Convention. Ukrainian and international sources, including the United Nations, confirm these violations. 

Sybiha condemned Russia’s treatment of Ukrainian POWs as “absolute barbarism,” citing UN data that 95% of Ukrainian prisoners face torture and deprivation of basic needs. He stressed that such actions grossly violate international humanitarian law.

“Executions are becoming more frequent,” Sybiha warned on social media.

He urged the international community to demand access for observers and medical personnel to Russian detention facilities and to push for the release of all Ukrainian POWs and illegally detained individuals.

The OSINT project DeepState reported the latest incident, sharing a censored drone image of the alleged victims. According to their sources, a group of Ukrainian drone operators and support personnel were attacked near Zelenyi Shlyakh on 10 October. The group, believing they were in a safe rear area, encountered enemy forces unexpectedly. Despite attempts to resist, they were forced to surrender due to limited ammunition.

Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets has notified the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross about the alleged executions. 

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