Photo by Maxim Hopman on Unsplash
Disturbing footage of the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war by the Russian Army surfaced online on 1 October. In the vicinity of Pokrovsk, 16 Ukrainian POWs were coldly executed, marking one of the largest acts of killing of prisoners of war since the onset of Russia’s unprovoked invasion. This brutal act, captured on video and rapidly spread across social media, has sparked public outrage as further confirmation of Russia’s gross violation of international humanitarian law, and the descent of the imperialist fascist troops of Russia’s once proud Red Army into appalling depravity. The video shows Ukrainian soldiers, in captivity and under the control of Russian troops, being forced to emerge from cover and line up, after which they are deliberately shot. Those showing signs of life were executed with close-range shots.
Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets has sent official appeals to the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) demanding attention to this case and accountability for the perpetrators, emphasising that systematic crimes against Ukrainian POWs must be stopped. Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin also stated that such killings and torture of prisoners are not isolated incidents but part of a deliberate policy by the Russian military leadership.
In contrast, Ukraine adheres to all international standards in its treatment of Russian prisoners of war. Russian POWs are provided with adequate living conditions, including food, medical care, and the opportunity to communicate with their relatives. These conditions are regularly monitored by the ICRC, which confirms that the treatment of prisoners meets international standards and humanitarian principles. This approach demonstrates Ukraine’s commitment to respecting human rights and humanitarian values.
Meanwhile, Russia refuses to allow ICRC representatives access to Ukrainian prisoners of war, which is a clear violation of the Geneva Conventions. Ukrainian POWs are held in unsanitary and overcrowded cells, subjected to torture and ill-treatment. There have been reports of deaths among prisoners due to illness and the consequences of torture, highlighting Russia’s systematic violation of international law.
Belgium actively supports Ukraine in humanitarian assistance and the protection of prisoners of war. In 2024, Belgium allocated 8 million euros to support the ICRC’s activities in Ukraine aimed at helping war victims and improving conditions for prisoners. Additionally, Belgium contributes to international efforts to hold accountable those responsible for war crimes by providing funds to the International Criminal Court and its victims’ funds. These actions underscore Belgium’s commitment to protecting human rights and upholding international humanitarian law amidst the war in Ukraine.
The international community must clearly and unequivocally state that such egregious violations cannot go unpunished. Silence in the face of the brutality and violence perpetrated by Russia effectively constitutes complicity. The world must not only condemn these acts but also take active steps to hold the perpetrators accountable. Only decisive and coordinated action by the international community can stop further violations and ensure the rights of prisoners of war, which Russia is obliged to respect under international rules and the basic principles of humanity.
