UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine

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Prisoners
of War

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Section 01

Overview & Context

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This webpage brings together key findings and recommendations by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine on the treatment of prisoners of war (POWs) in the context of the large-scale armed attack by the Russian Federation against Ukraine since 2022.

It covers POWs held by both the Russian Federation and Ukraine, providing an overview of documented facts and patterns. Scroll down for detailed information on each group.

The content builds on the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission’s periodic and thematic reporting, bringing together information collected over time into a single, accessible resource.

The webpage also provides direct access to relevant reports and materials for further information.

Section 02

POWs held by the Russian Federation

Since 24 February 2022 until 31 May 2026, the UN Human Rights Office interviewed 853 POWs (including 817 men and 36 women) released from captivity. The Russian Federation has not granted access to POWs for independent monitoring.

Regions in the Russian Federation and Ukraine identified by OHCHR where Ukrainian POWs are currently
or were previously interned

Select any indicator to learn more

Density of facilities

1 – 2

3 – 5

6 – 10

11+

Ukraine

Russian Federation

100

places of internment where
Ukrainian POWs are held

On the territory
of Ukraine: 43 On the territory of
Russian Federation: 57

LAT: --.---- | LNG: --.----

Finding 1

Widespread and systematic torture

More than 96% out of 853 Ukrainian POWs interviewed (including 32 out of 36 women) reported torture or ill-treatment during all stages of captivity and interrogations.
Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV): Prevalent as a method of torture, including rape, beatings/electric shocks to genitals, forced nudity, and sexualized humiliation.
Recurrent methods: Severe beatings with instruments, electric shocks, suffocation, prolonged stress positions, sleep deprivation, and mock executions.
Inhumane conditions: Lack of medical care, severe lack of nutritious food, and unhygienic facilities. 48 deaths in custody due to torture, ill-treatment and lack of adequate medical assistance.
Acts of torture and inhumane conditions continue over prolonged periods (months to years).
Improvements in treatment in some cases occurred only after long-term internment or immediately prior to exchanges.

Finding 2

Extrajudicial executions

Executions of 129 Ukrainian POWs (all men) documented since February 2022.
Significant spikes in reports recorded: December 2023 – March 2024, August 2024 – April 2025, November 2025 – January 2026.

Finding 3

Limited contact and information sharing

Information provided to families is inconsistent, incomplete, and provided with delays.
POWs are not allowed to communicate regularly or transparently with their families.
Access by independent international monitors remains completely or severely restricted.

Finding 4

Unfair trials and unlawful prosecutions

POWs are systematically prosecuted and sentenced to long prison terms for the mere participation in hostilities.
Serious violations of due process and fair trial rights, including admission of confessions obtained under torture.

Enabling Factors

Violations are facilitated and normalized by structural state elements:

Calls for inhumane treatment and executions by public and military officials.
Dehumanizing language in State-owned media.
Laws exempting military personnel from domestic accountability.
Involvement of different State entities and significant level of coordination between them, prison authorities and medical staff.

Action Items

Key Recommendations to the Russian Federation

Immediately end and publicly condemn executions, torture, and sexual violence.
Continue exchanges of POWs, prioritising the wounded and sick.
Ensure prompt, comprehensive, and regular information-sharing with families.
Provide full, confidential, and regular access for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and independent monitors.
Criminalize torture in domestic legislation in strict line with international law.
Establish a joint medical commission for wounded POWs.
Ensure prompt, impartial and effective investigations into all alleged violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL) and ensure that perpetrators, including members of the military and security forces and those in positions of command, are duly prosecuted and held to account.

Section 03

POWs held by Ukraine

Since 24 February 2022 until 31 May 2026, the UN Human Rights Office interviewed 816 POWs held by Ukraine. Ukraine has granted full, regular, and confidential access to all official places of internment.

Regions in Ukraine
identified by OHCHR
where Russian POWs
are detained

Select any indicator to learn more

Density of facilities

2 – 3

places of internment where
Russian POWs are held

Transit
locations: 7 Facilities that form part
of the internment infrastructure
established by the Ministry of Justice: 21

LAT: --.---- | LNG: --.----

Finding 1

Commitment to internment standards

Establishment of 5 official POW camps specifically designed to meet international standards.
Full and unhindered access granted to independent international monitors to all official facilities.
Conditions in camps are largely compliant with the Third Geneva Convention since 2023.
Key procedural safeguards adhered to, including contact with families and access to legal counsel.

Finding 2

Torture, ill-treatment and deaths in custody

More than 54% out of 816 Russian Federation's POWs interviewed reported torture or ill-treatment, primarily during initial stages of captivity in transit places.
Recurrent methods: Severe beatings with blunt objects, threats of death or violence, and electric shocks.
59 cases of conflict-related sexual violence against Russian and third-country national POWs (all male), attributed to Ukrainian authorities, have been documented since February 2022.
2 documented death in custody of a Russian POW following alleged severe torture.

Finding 3

Accountability gaps

Accountability for early-stage abuse and violations in transit facilities remains limited.
Investigative mechanisms face delays in holding state perpetrators to account.

Finding 4

Public exposure concerns

Occasional violations regarding the protection of POWs from public curiosity and media exposure.
Forced participation in press conferences or recording of public confession videos.

Action Items

Key Recommendations to Ukraine

Ensure strict compliance with international humanitarian law at initial phases of captivity and during transit.
Strengthen internal reporting, oversight, and complaint systems in all military facilities.
Promptly investigate all allegations of abuse and hold state perpetrators fully to account.
Strictly protect POWs from public exposure, media recording, and public curiosity.
Treat POWs and conflict-related detainees in full compliance with IHL and IHRL, in particular by protecting them from torture or ill-treatment at all times, including during the initial stage of captivity.
Ensure prompt, impartial and effective investigations into all alleged violations of IHL and IHRL and ensure that perpetrators, including members of the military and security forces and those in positions of command, are duly prosecuted and held to account.

Legal Framework

What the law says

The Third Geneva Convention of 1949 establishes strict, absolute rules that must be protected by all parties to a conflict without exception.

01Absolute prohibition of torture, cruelty, and ill-treatment under any circumstances.

02Humane treatment and constant protection, particularly against acts of violence and public curiosity.

03Minimum acceptable conditions of accommodation, food, clothing, and hygiene.

04Adequate and timely medical attention provided to all interned personnel.

05Right to regular correspondence and communication with loved ones and families.

06Prompt, official information sharing on the fate and physical whereabouts of prisoners.

07Mandatory, regular visits by the ICRC and other independent international monitors.

08Internment inside safe camps located at a safe distance from active combat zones.

09Guaranteed due process, fair trial rights, and restriction of prosecution for basic combat participation.

10Unconditional release and rapid repatriation of POWs upon the end of active hostilities.

Further Information

Prisoners
of War

Overview & Context

POWs held by the Russian Federation

Density of facilities

Widespread and systematic torture

Extrajudicial executions

Limited contact and information sharing

Unfair trials and unlawful prosecutions

Key Recommendations to the Russian Federation

POWs held by Ukraine

Density of facilities

Commitment to internment standards

Torture, ill-treatment and deaths in custody

Accountability gaps

Public exposure concerns

Key Recommendations to Ukraine

What the law says

Key reports on Prisoners of War

Four years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine (key facts and findings)

43rd periodic report on Ukraine

42nd periodic report on Ukraine

41st periodic report on Ukraine

40th periodic report on Ukraine

39th periodic report on Ukraine

38th periodic report on Ukraine

37th periodic report on Ukraine

36th periodic report on Ukraine

35th periodic report on Ukraine

Thematic report on POWs

Report on Ukraine (1 Feb - 31 Jul 2022)

Key press releases

Documenting the Truth in Ukraine's war for future accountability

Türk appeals for end to daily killing and destruction in Ukraine

Alarming Rise in Executions of Captured Ukrainian Military Personnel

In Ukraine, survivors speak out about conflict-related sexual violence

Briefing by Head of Mission on the latest periodic report

Olenivka: two years since the deadly strike

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

UN Says Russia Continues to Torture, Execute Ukrainian POWs

The Chatham House event: Russia's use of abduction, torture and sexual violence