EU makes statement on killing of Ukrainian prisoners of war

The statement by the EU diplomatic service emphasises that the cases of Ukrainian prisoners of war being shot by the Russian military continue to increase.

According to the EU, at least 177 Ukrainian POWs have died in captivity since the beginning of the war, including the recent tragic events in the Kursk and Donetsk regions, where nine and sixteen POWs were killed on 10 and 1 October, respectively.

EU representatives noted that such actions violate the Geneva Conventions and demonstrate Russia's systematic disregard for international humanitarian law and its obligations under the UN Charter. The UN Human Rights Office also confirmed cases of torture, including sexual violence, used against Ukrainian prisoners of war.

The EU reiterated its commitment to bring to justice all perpetrators and accomplices of war crimes committed by Russia against Ukraine and condemned restrictions on humanitarian access and the denial of visits to prisoners by independent monitors.