The UN reported 79 instances of executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war since the end of August 2024.

The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported 79 cases of the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war, documented since late August 2024 across 24 separate incidents. According to data from the mission, many Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered or were in the custody of Russian forces were shot on the spot. Witnesses also recounted instances of the killing of wounded and unarmed Ukrainian fighters.

The mission conducted an analysis of video materials and photographs from Ukrainian and Russian sources that corroborate these executions, as well as interviewing witnesses.

The head of the mission, Daniel Bell, noted that through geolocation and event chronology, it was determined that the executions occurred in areas where Russia conducted offensive operations. She emphasized that such incidents would not be possible without incitement from public figures in the Russian Federation, who openly called for cruel treatment of prisoners and even their execution. Bell added that such statements, along with amnesty laws, could serve as a direct incentive for unlawful actions.

In 2024, the mission recorded at least three public statements from Russian officials, as well as numerous social media posts from military groups associated with the Russian army that support or order executions.

The UN reminded that international humanitarian law categorically prohibits executions or threats of destruction of captured military personnel, regardless of their status or side in the conflict.

It is worth noting that a photo of a decapitated Ukrainian soldier was released online: the identity has been established. Ukrainian law enforcement has preliminarily identified the deceased serviceman whose photograph with a severed head appeared on enemy resources.