Russia has placed thousands of Ukrainian military and civilians in captivity. Prisoners of war face inhuman conditions including torture, sexual violence and denial of medical care. Many cannot make any contact with loved ones. Russian authorities must end these war crimes and crimes against humanity.
What’s the problem?
Since 2014, Ukraine has been subjected to relentless aggression by Russia. This has led to the occupation of Ukrainian territories, the destruction of entire cities, forced deportations of Ukrainian children and thousands of casualties. It also means the captivity of thousands of prisoners of war (POWs) and civilians.
For the Ukrainians in Russian custody, the situation is dire. Many prisoners are being denied their basic rights. They cannot make contact with their loved ones and face inhuman conditions, including torture, sexual violence and denial of medical care while their conditions deteriorate. This treatment amounts to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
We have witnessed the unspeakable suffering of POWs’ families in Ukraine.
Agnes Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General
The families of the prisoners are kept in the dark and are unable to make any contact with their relatives in captivity. They are desperately searching for any information about their loved ones.
Russian authorities must end the widespread abuse of Ukrainians in captivity and allow access by humanitarian organisations. The world cannot remain passive while these atrocities continue. Ukraine’s POWs deserve justice, dignity, and immediate action from the international community.
Find more information and Amnesty International’s full report here.
What you can do to help
Send a message to Russian authorities to demand an end to the appalling treatment of Ukrainians in Russian captivity. Ukrainian prisoners of war, civilian detainees and their families need your help.