Ukraine releases death toll of POWs in Russian captivity

Politico reported the information, citing Ukraine's Defense Ministry.

Thousands more remain at risk, with the situation worsening due to a lack of international oversight. “The more time they spend in Russian prisons, the closer they are to death,” said Viktoriia Tsymbaliuk, a representative of Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

She suggested that the actual death toll is likely higher, citing Russia's refusal to confirm the captivity of many detainees. "This is the number we have," she said, "but not all bodies are returned, and many are not acknowledged as captives by Russia."

While around 3,600 prisoners of war have been returned through exchanges, thousands remain in Russian custody. Abuse of prisoners is widespread, with Russian prison officials enjoying a sense of impunity due to the lack of independent oversight. Ukrainian POWs face particularly harsh conditions, according to a UN report that found torture to be "widespread and systematic," with some Russian public figures even encouraging such abuse.

The UN report also documented the deaths of 11 Ukrainian prisoners and instances of suicide, including one case attributed to repeated torture. Released prisoners, like 23-year-old Danylo Kravets, have detailed brutal experiences of physical and psychological abuse, including torture and mock executions. Kravets, who was held for 175 days, described routine beatings and sexual violence, saying, "They’re really good at finding a reason to torture you."

The UN also noted cases of Ukrainian prisoners eating worms and soap out of desperation, with reports of needles being inserted under nails and threats of animal attacks.

Though the Geneva Conventions mandate that countries allow independent monitors access to POWs, Russia has been criticized for blocking such efforts. Families of captives, like that of Kateryna Nazarii, continue to endure uncertainty. Nazarii, whose husband has been missing for over 830 days, fears for his life daily. "If the world stays silent, Russia will act with impunity," she warned.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities have acknowledged isolated cases of torture against Russian POWs but noted that such abuse ceased once prisoners entered the formal prison system, where international monitors have full access.