Russia accused of executing Ukrainian POWs; ICC urged to act

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.

Sybiha referred to United Nations data, which states that 95 percent of Ukrainian prisoners of war are subjected to torture and lack basic life necessities and access to medical assistance. He also added that the International Criminal Court should immediately address this issue by issuing arrest warrants for "Russian executioners and torturers."

Sybiha noted that the international community must urgently take appropriate steps, including facilitating the issuance of arrest warrants for the perpetrators. He also called for strengthening sanctions against Russia and allowing international observers into facilities where prisoners are held.

The minister also urged for accelerated actions aimed at freeing Ukrainian prisoners of war and others who are being held illegally.

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 9 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.