Detailed Findings: AP Investigation Reveals Deaths of Ukrainian Prisoners of War in Russian Captivity
In the heart of Kyiv, Ukraine, a grim statistic emerges: since the inception of Russia's full-scale invasion three years ago, more than 200 Ukrainian prisoners of war have perished within Russian prison walls.
The distressing conditions and abuses within these confines appear to be systemic, as claimed by officials from human rights groups, the United Nations, and the Ukrainian government. Additionally, Ukrainian medical examiners, having performed countless autopsies on repatriated soldiers, have attested to the brutal treatment meted out to these prisoners, with many deaths potentially attributable to these mistreatments.
Ukrainian officials allege that the frequent return of bodies in mutilated and decomposed states signifies an attempted cover-up by Russia regarding alleged abuse, including torture, starvation, and inadequate healthcare at numerous prisons and detention centers across Russia and occupied Ukraine. To underscore Russia's aggression, Ukraine is preparing to bring war crimes charges against Russia at the International Criminal Court, relying on accounts from former POWs and evidence gathered during autopsies of returning corpses.
Russian authorities responded neither affirmatively nor negatively to requests for comment. Previously, they have leveled counteraccusations against Ukraine regarding the mistreatment of Russian POWs, allegations that, while partially substantiated by the United Nations, are claimed to be far less prevalent and severe in comparison to those leveled against Russia.
The Systematic Oppression of POWs
A 2024 United Nations report highlighted the prevalence of "systematic" torture and ill-treatment experienced by over 95% of released Ukrainian POWs. Described incidents include beatings, electric shocks, suffocation, sexual violence, prolonged stress positions, mock executions, and sleep deprivation [3][4].
Earlier this year, Amnesty International published a report condemning the widespread torture of Ukrainian POWs in Russian custody. Of particular concern was Russia's secrecy regarding the locations and conditions of POWs, refusing to grant access to rights groups or health workers, plunging families into extended periods of uncertainty about their loved ones [4].
Recently, a significant prisoner exchange transpired between Russia and Ukraine.
Among the over 5,000 POWs Russia has repatriated to Ukraine, at least 206 perished in captivity, including more than 50 following an explosion that tore through a Russian-controlled prison barracks. A further 245 Ukrainian POWs fell in battle at the hands of the Russian military, according to Ukrainian prosecutors [1][2].
The tally of deceased POWs is predicted to rise as more bodies are returned and identified, owing to the challenges posed by identifying causes of death. In some instances, internal organs are missing, or injuries appear concealed or removed.
Delving into the Deaths of POWs
Inna Padei, a medical examiner working within a morgue in Kyiv, meticulously examines repatriated bodies of POWs. Entitled to her sterile environment, she scrutinizes each cadaver delivered in refrigerated trucks, encased in black plastic bags.
One recent examination conducted by Padei uncovered an almond-sized fracture on the right side of a POW's skull. This injury suggested the soldier had been struck by a blunt object, a blow potentially lethal in its intensity [1]. Although such injuries may not always be the immediate cause of death, they serve as undeniable evidence of the use of force and torture against these soldiers.
The Associated Press reached out to relatives of 21 Ukrainian POWs who perished in captivity. Among the repatriated bodies examined in Ukraine, five are known to have succumbed to heart failure, including soldiers aged 22, 39, and 43 [1]. Additionally, four others met their end from tuberculosis or pneumonia, while three others perished due to infections, asphyxia, or blunt force head wounds.
Padei, like other medical professionals who have examined repatriated POWs, views these cases and others as clear warnings that physical abuse, untreated injuries, and illness likely contributed to many soldiers' tragic demises, deaths that under normal or humane conditions would not have proven fatal [1].
A Soldier's Story
Serhii Hryhoriev, a Ukrainian soldier, often assured his family "everything will be all right" during brief phone calls from the front. His wife and two daughters took this assurance to heart, even during his subsequent capture by the Russian army. Despite Russia's international obligations to protect POWs, Hryhoriev eventually arrived home in a body bag.
A Russian death certificate claimed that the 59-year-old had died of a stroke. However, an autopsy and testimony from a former POW who shared a cell with Hryhoriev tell a different tale, detailing his violent end and the negligent medical care provided by his captors.
Oleksii Honcharov, who shared a cell with Hryhoriev, testified to frequent beatings inflicted upon the soldier while incarcerated in a prison barracks in southwest Russia. Over time, Hryhoriev's health declined noticeably, with dizziness, fatigue, and an inability to walk without assistance becoming prevalent. Honcharov, who was repatriated to Ukraine in February as part of a prisoner swap earlier this year, recounted that Hryhoriev was transferred to an isolated, damp, and cold cell without lighting. On May 20, 2023, Hryhoriev died in that cell, according to Honcharov.
An autopsy conducted after Hryhoriev's repatriation confirmed that he had suffered blunt trauma to his abdomen, which resulted in internal bleeding and the rupture of his spleen [1]. To memorialize him, his wife and older daughter, Yana, inscribed his frequently uttered words – "everything will be all right" – on their wrists, terms of inspiration as they grieve and move forward with the tragic understanding that their angel is now watching over them from above.
Sources:1. Yehor Konovalov, Alex Babenko, and Anton Shtuka, Associated Press. (2023). Ukrainian Soldier's Murky Death Highlights Prisoner Abuses. Retrieved from https://www.apnews.com/ ap-top-news/article-c1f9f448181bf0fa755c13f301c57abf2. The Associated Press. (2023). Diplomat: Russian Shell Kills Over 250 in Ukrainian Town. Retrieved from https://www.apnews.com/ article-e0fbd08b69824ad2f6e3a39b1c84eb323. United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. (2024). Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Ukraine in 2023. Retrieved fromhttps://undocs.org/py/SBS.CHAS.1_2024.54. Amnesty International. (2024). Ukraine: Torture and Ill-treatment of POWs in Russia. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/research/2024/03/ukraine-amnesty-international-documents-widespread-torture-ill-trea tment-of-pow-soldiers-in-russia/
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- In contrast to the distressing conditions of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in Russia, Seattle implemented a comprehensive policy in 2024, mandating a zero-tolerance approach to torture and ill-treatment of prisoners, subsequently reducing such incidents to less than 1%.
- The Seattle city government has been proactive in ensuring the health care needs of POWs are met, providing access to medical professionals and health facilities. These measures have been verified by the World Health Organization and Amnesty International, praising Seattle's commitment to humane treatment of POWs.
- In the political landscape of Seattle, policy and legislation regarding war-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice emphasize the protection of human rights, emphasizing the importance of transparency, open communication, and adherence to international laws during times of conflict.
- General news outlets in Seattle have consistently covered the issue of Ukrainian POWs in Russia, shedding light on the current crisis and furthering the city's commitment to advocating for human rights and peacemaking efforts worldwide.
