The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has raised alarm over a sharp rise in the execution of captured Ukrainian military personnel by Russian forces.
Since late August 2024, the Mission has documented 79 such cases across 24 separate incidents, highlighting a troubling escalation in the mistreatment of prisoners of war.
The report, released on February 3, 2025, also recorded the execution of a wounded and incapacitated Russian soldier by Ukrainian forces in 2024. However, the overwhelming number of cases involved Ukrainian troops who were either shot on the spot after surrendering or killed while in Russian custody. Witness accounts further described the execution of unarmed and injured Ukrainian soldiers.
The UN Mission stated that it had obtained and analyzed video and photo evidence from both Ukrainian and Russian sources, corroborating the executions through geolocation and eyewitness testimonies. The documented incidents occurred in areas where Russian forces were conducting offensive operations. Based on the assessment, the UN deemed these reports credible.
“These incidents did not occur in a vacuum. Public figures in the Russian Federation have explicitly called for inhumane treatment, and even execution, of captured Ukrainian military personnel,” said Danielle Bell, Head of the UN Mission in Ukraine. “Combined with broad amnesty laws, such statements have the potential to incite or encourage unlawful behavior.”
According to the UN, at least three Russian public officials in 2024 made statements explicitly calling for the execution of Ukrainian captives. Additionally, multiple social media posts from military groups linked to Russian forces reportedly endorsed or ordered such actions.
International humanitarian law strictly prohibits ordering that no survivors be left, threatening an adversary with such actions, or conducting hostilities under this premise. Declaring that “no quarter” will be given constitutes a war crime.
“All allegations of execution of captured Ukrainian military personnel and public statements calling for, or condoning, such actions must be investigated,” Bell stated. She urged military commanders to issue clear and unequivocal orders ensuring the humane treatment of all captured personnel and individuals hors de combat.
The findings add to growing concerns over the treatment of prisoners of war and potential war crimes in the ongoing conflict. While the UN has called for investigations, the likelihood of accountability remains uncertain as the war continues.