Russian Forces Accused of Executing Surrendering Ukrainian Soldiers
Human Rights Watch and UN reports document multiple instances of war crimes by Russian forces against Ukrainian POWs.
- Human Rights Watch has documented at least 20 executions of Ukrainian soldiers since December 2023, calling for these acts to be investigated as war crimes.
- Drone footage and social media videos have played a crucial role in verifying incidents of Russian forces executing surrendering Ukrainian troops.
- The UN has also reported on the execution of over 30 Ukrainian POWs by Russian forces and affiliated groups during the winter months.
- International humanitarian law strictly prohibits the execution of soldiers who are hors de combat, highlighting the gravity of these violations.
- Russia has not responded to inquiries regarding these incidents, raising concerns about accountability for war crimes.