Rising Executions of Ukrainian Prisoners of War by Russia: A Growing Crisis
In the harrowing early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian sniper Oleksandr Matsievsky was taken captive by Russian forces. His fate, like that of many others, has become a chilling symbol of the war’s brutality. A video surfaced showing Matsievsky standing next to what appeared to be a freshly dug grave in a forest. With a cigarette in hand, he faced his captors and declared, “Glory to Ukraine!” Seconds later, gunfire erupted, and he collapsed, lifeless.
This grim footage is just one example of an alarming trend: the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
In October 2024, nine Ukrainian soldiers reportedly met a similar fate in Russia’s Kursk region. Among them was drone operator Ruslan Holubenko, whose parents recognized him from a distressing photograph showing half-naked bodies strewn across the ground. His mother identified her son by the underwear she had given him for a seaside trip, and by a gunshot wound visible in the image.
“I bought that for him,” she told a local broadcaster, her voice breaking. “I knew his shoulder had been shot. You can see it in the picture.”
The atrocities continue to mount. Ukrainian prosecutors are investigating reports of beheadings and the killing of a bound soldier with a sword. In another instance, a video captured 16 Ukrainian troops, seemingly surrendering after emerging from a forest, being gunned down in cold blood.
Documenting the Evidence
Some of these horrific acts have been filmed by Russian soldiers themselves, while others were inadvertently recorded by Ukrainian drones. These videos often take place in unmarked woods or fields, complicating efforts to pinpoint exact locations. Despite these challenges, investigations have confirmed that many victims wore Ukrainian military uniforms and that the footage is recent.
According to Ukraine’s Prosecutor-General’s Office, at least 147 Ukrainian prisoners of war have been executed by Russian forces since the invasion began, with 127 of these killings occurring in 2024 alone.
“The trend is undeniable,” said Yuri Belousov, who leads the War Department at the Prosecutor-General’s Office. “Executions became systematic in November last year and have only escalated this summer and autumn. These are not isolated incidents. There’s evidence suggesting that such actions are part of a broader policy, with orders being issued to this effect.”
A Breach of International Law
The Third Geneva Convention explicitly prohibits the execution of prisoners of war, labeling such acts as war crimes. Yet, even high-profile Russian leaders have openly encouraged these violations. Ramzan Kadyrov, the controversial leader of Chechnya, temporarily instructed his commanders to “take no prisoners.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly insisted that his military adheres to international laws regarding prisoners of war. However, no evidence has emerged to suggest that Russia is investigating these allegations. In fact, discussing similar claims within Russia is punishable by severe prison sentences.
Calls for Accountability
Rachel Denber, Deputy Director of Human Rights Watch’s Europe and Central Asia Division, emphasized the importance of accountability.
“What directives are these units receiving? Are commanders educating their troops about the Geneva Conventions? If commanders are failing to investigate or prevent these crimes, they too can be held criminally liable,” Denber stated.
While accusations against Ukrainian forces for similar acts have also surfaced, the reported numbers are far smaller. Ukrainian authorities insist they are investigating such claims thoroughly, although no charges have been filed so far.
The Toll on Families
The shadow of these executions looms heavily over the families of missing soldiers. Ruslan Holubenko’s mother clings to hope, despite the devastating photograph.
“He told me, ‘Mum, I’ll never surrender. Forgive me, but I can’t endure torture,’” she recalled. Officially, her son remains listed as missing in action. “I’ll keep searching for him, no matter what. I want to believe he’s unconscious, not gone.”
As the war grinds on, the mounting evidence of war crimes demands urgent international attention. The rising toll of these executions underscores the human cost of impunity in the face of clear violations of international law.
