Released Ukrainian POWs describe Russian torture to PACE

Ukrinform reported the information.

Former prisoners were invited to the autumn session of PACE in Strasbourg to share their harrowing testimonies of torture by Russian forces. One of the key witnesses was Ukrainian defense lawyer Mykyta Shastun, who survived the Russian terrorist attack in Olenivka and was released during the New Year's prisoner exchange.

“After a missile hit our barracks, I started breaking down the gate and called for help. The guards shot at our feet instead. We carried out the prisoners—without arms and legs—and loaded them onto trucks until morning. Most died on the spot from blood loss and lack of medical assistance. I will never forget the cries of pain from my comrades,” Mykyta recounted.

He described how the survivors who were placed in punishment cells continued to endure both physical and psychological torment. He said that the prisoners did not have enough water and food, which “resembled the diet provided by the Nazis in Auschwitz.”

Recently released Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, Nariman Dzhelial, revealed that 21 civilian journalists are currently being held in Crimean prisons. He added that there is a pre-trial detention center No. 2 on the peninsula, which specifically holds Ukrainians, where they endure both physical and moral abuse.

Oleh Slobodianyk, a representative of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, highlighted that Russia officially recognizes only 6,000 Ukrainian military personnel as being in captivity. However, according to Ukrainian authorities, more than a thousand additional soldiers are being detained, though Russia does not acknowledge their imprisonment.

Slobodianyk also pointed out the significant issue of unconfirmed civilians held in Russian custody. Ukraine estimates that over 14,000 civilians are in captivity, with only 1,300 of them having been officially confirmed.

“We managed to release only 167 civilians during the exchanges. This indicates a serious problem, a violation of all international law and conventions by the Russians. There are no realistic mechanisms for their return, so we need the help of international organizations,” he emphasized.

Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin, in turn, noted that interstate tribunals do not have jurisdiction to consider cases related to torture, abuse and deaths of Ukrainian prisoners.

“At the same time, we are actively cooperating with the International Criminal Court, which has already issued six arrest warrants for the Russian leadership. And the ICC can play a decisive role in this case by bringing to justice the main perpetrators, those who designed the torture chambers,” Kostin said.

• Russian forces executed 16 Ukrainian prisoners of war in the Pokrovsk direction near Mykolaivka and Sukhyi Yar. Ukrainian authorities have initiated an investigation into war crimes, including premeditated murder.