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Reports of Executions Highlight Humanitarian Crisis for Ukrainian POWs

Oleksandr Matsievsky has emerged as a significant symbol of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine following his tragic execution by Russian forces. The Ukrainian sniper was captured during the early days of the extensive invasion, and a haunting video later surfaced, depicting him smoking a final cigarette in a remote forest, seemingly next to a grave he was compelled to dig. In a display of courage, he uttered, “Glory to Ukraine!” just moments before gunfire rang out, resulting in his death. This incident is part of a larger, alarming trend.

In October, reports indicated that nine captured Ukrainian soldiers were executed by Russian troops in the Kursk region. Ukrainian officials have initiated an investigation into these allegations, which are supported by a disturbing photograph showing the corpses of the victims. One of those identified was Ruslan Holubenko, a drone operator, whose family recognized him by the distinctive underwear he wore, a last gift from his mother before a trip to the sea.

This is not an isolated incident. Allegations are mounting regarding the executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war, with investigations underway into reports of beheadings and other brutal killings. Disturbing footage has surfaced showing 16 Ukrainian soldiers appearing to be executed after surrendering, further highlighting the systemic nature of these atrocities.

Some of these executions have been documented by Russian forces themselves or captured by Ukrainian surveillance drones, often occurring in featureless areas that obscure their precise locations. Nevertheless, organizations like BBC Verify have verified certain incidents, confirming that the victims were indeed Ukrainian troops and that the videos are recent.

The Scale of Atrocities

The Ukrainian prosecution service reports that at least 147 Ukrainian prisoners of war have been executed since the onset of the full-scale invasion, with 127 victims identified this year alone. Yuri Belousov, head of the War Department at the Ukrainian Prosecutor-General’s Office, indicates a troubling trend: “Executions became systemic from November last year and have continued throughout all of this year.” He pointed out that the frequency of these incidents spiked significantly during the summer and fall, suggesting a coordinated policy rather than isolated incidents.

According to international humanitarian law, particularly the Third Geneva Convention, prisoners of war must be protected, and executing them constitutes a war crime. However, statements from figures like Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chechen leader, who has ordered troops “to take no prisoners,” raise serious concerns about the adherence to these laws by Russian forces.

Lack of Accountability

Human rights advocates, including Rachel Denber from Human Rights Watch, stress the critical need for accountability within the Russian military. She poses essential questions regarding the instructions received by troops and the clarity of command regarding the treatment of prisoners of war. Thus far, there have been no indications of any formal investigations into these executions by Russian authorities, and addressing these claims can lead to severe repercussions for whistleblowers in Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained that his forces are adhering to international conventions concerning the treatment of prisoners, a claim met with skepticism by many observers. While Ukrainian forces have also faced accusations of executing Russian POWs, these allegations are substantially fewer, and Ukrainian authorities are reportedly taking them seriously, with investigations ongoing but no charges yet filed.

Since the escalation of conflict in February 2022, Human Rights Watch has documented numerous violations by Russian forces that warrant investigation as potential war crimes. The documented pattern of abuse has created an atmosphere of dread among Ukrainian troops, with some expressing a desperate preference for death over the possibility of capture due to fears of brutal treatment.

One poignant example is the experience of Ruslan Holubenko’s mother, who recalls her son’s resolute determination not to surrender. “He told me: Mum, I’ll never surrender, never. Forgive me, I know you’ll cry, but I don’t want to be tortured,” she shared. Despite the ongoing turmoil, she clings to hope that her son may still be alive, determined to explore every possible avenue to secure his return.

Source
www.bbc.com