Rising urgency: Calls for justice against Russian war crimes
Russia is increasingly carrying out executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii 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 emphasised that the torture and execution of Ukrainian prisoners by the Russian side constitutes "absolute barbarism, grave violation of international humanitarian law, laws and customs of war." According to him, executions of prisoners are becoming more frequent.
Shocking UN report
Sybiha cited United Nations data, according to which 95% of Ukrainian prisoners of war are subjected to torture and are unable to meet basic needs or access medical assistance. He also added that the International Criminal Court should promptly address this issue by issuing arrest warrants for the "Russian executioners and torturers."
"International community must take immediate action. Issue ICC arrest warrants for Russian executioners and torturers," noted Sybiha, also calling for increased sanctions against Russia and the admission of international observers to places where prisoners are held.
The Minister also called for the acceleration of efforts to release Ukrainian prisoners of war and all others who are being held illegally.
Proceedings regarding alleged execution
Earlier, according to the portal "Ukrainska Pravda," citing Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lunin and a group of military analysts, Russians executed nine Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region in western Russia. These executions took place on 9 October, in an area where, since August, Ukrainians have been conducting a military operation.
The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine has already initiated proceedings in this matter.
