In July 2025, forty-one OSCE taking part States, in cooperation with Ukraine, invoked the OSCE Moscow Mechanism to look at the remedy of Ukrainian prisoners of struggle (POWs) by the Russian Federation. This activation reaffirmed the mechanism’s persevering with significance as an instrument for addressing severe violations of worldwide regulation. Embedded throughout the OSCE framework, the Moscow Mechanism permits taking part States to determine unbiased professional missions and process them to help within the decision of a selected human dimension drawback on their very own territory or in different OSCE taking part States. Because the outbreak of Russia’s full-scale struggle of aggression towards Ukraine in February 2022, the mechanism has been invoked 5 instances in relation to the battle, reflecting widespread worldwide concern over Russia’s conduct. Posts in regards to the earlier reviews could be discovered on EJILTalk right here, right here and right here. The 2025 professional mission particularly centered on Ukrainian POWs and troopers hors de fight. The mission offered its report back to the OSCE Everlasting Council on 25 September 2025 and the report turned public on the identical day (see right here).
Mandate, Methodology and the Information
The mission’s major process was to analyze the remedy of Ukrainian POWs and troopers hors de fight by the Russian Federation, specializing in establishing the information and circumstances surrounding attainable violations of worldwide regulation, particularly worldwide humanitarian regulation (IHL) and worldwide human rights regulation (IHRL). The mandate prolonged to gathering, consolidating, and analysing data to determine patterns of widespread or systematic torture, ill-treatment, and executions of Ukrainian POWs and troopers hors de fight, each on the territory of the Russian Federation and in quickly occupied areas of Ukraine, and to supply suggestions on accountability mechanisms.
The specialists primarily based their findings on a variety of sources, together with official paperwork from States and worldwide organizations, reviews from the OHCHR and ODIHR, supplies supplied by Ukrainian authorities and non-governmental organizations, in addition to testimonies and interviews with just lately launched POWs. Open-source supplies – similar to satellite tv for pc imagery, drone footage, and movies posted on-line – had been additionally analysed to corroborate claims and confirm occasions. The mission operated below a very constrained timeframe, having solely three weeks from the appointment of the specialists to the completion of the report. The mission was however capable of go to Ukraine from 25 to 30 August 2025 and conduct interviews in particular person.
Ukraine cooperated totally with the mission, whereas the Russian Federation declined to interact, stopping direct evaluation of circumstances, verification of prisoner numbers, or unbiased inspection. Regardless of these constraints, the mission was capable of consolidate credible proof demonstrating the systematic nature of violations of IHL and IHRL.
Obtainable estimates point out that, as of August 2025, between 6,000 and seven,000 Ukrainian troopers stay in Russian captivity. Greater than half are detained in quickly occupied territories, significantly within the Donetsk and Luhansk areas, whereas the rest are held in detention centres throughout numerous areas of the Russian Federation. Ukrainian authorities have recognized a complete of 222 detention websites, the place POWs could also be held alongside civilians or frequent criminals. Since February 2022, at the very least 13,500 Ukrainian troopers have been detained in such circumstances, of whom roughly 169 have died in captivity, and round 6,800 have been launched by means of prisoner exchanges.
Recognition of POW Standing
Respect for the protections afforded by POW standing presupposes that sure classes of individuals hors de fight are acknowledged as such below the Geneva Conference relative to the Remedy of Prisoners of Struggle (GCIII) and Protocol Extra to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and regarding the Safety of Victims of Worldwide Armed Conflicts (API). The mission discovered that the Russian Federation persistently fails to acknowledge POW standing for many Ukrainian troopers. As an alternative, Russian authorities classify them as individuals detained for countering the particular navy operation, a designation additionally utilized to detained Ukrainian civilians. This qualification creates confusion between classes of protected individuals below IHL, undermining the excellence between POWs and civilians and exposing captured troopers to legal prosecution for mere participation in hostilities.
Past this normal denial, the Russian authorities seem to pursue a deliberate coverage of stripping POW protections from particular teams, significantly overseas volunteers labelled as mercenaries and whole Ukrainian models (such because the Azov Regiment or the Aidar battalion) designated as terrorist organizations. Members of those teams get prosecuted below the Russian Prison Code, normally for mercenary exercise or terrorism. These prosecutions, more and more noticed since 2024, concern acts that, in follow, normally represent lawful conduct of warfare, thereby violating the precept of combatant immunity. Furthermore, the mission discovered little proof that the Russian Federation has established competent tribunals to find out POW standing in circumstances of doubt, as required below Article 5(2) of GCIII.
Principal Findings of the Report
The principle findings reached by the mission concern 4 severe violations of IHL and IHRL dedicated towards Ukrainian POWs by the Russian Federation. These are: arbitrary killings, torture and different types of mistreatment, inhumane circumstances of detention, and the denial of the precise to a good trial. Regrettably, the mission can affirm that every one of those violations do certainly happen and that they’re of a widespread and systematic nature.
The mission documented in depth proof of arbitrary killings of Ukrainian POWs and troopers hors de fight, each on the battlefield and in detention. On the battlefield, dozens of Ukrainian troopers have been summarily executed whereas surrendering or after surrendering. Proof, though tough to acquire, was corroborated by means of eyewitness accounts, forensic examinations, intercepted communications, satellite tv for pc and drone imagery, and movies posted on-line. These acts seem to have elevated since 2024. Arbitrary killings additionally happen in detention amenities, the place at the very least 167 Ukrainian POWs have died up to now as a consequence of acts or omissions of camp administrations, deliberate neglect of medical wants, denial of meals or water, and publicity to life-threatening circumstances and Russian state brokers conducting interrogations. The repeated prevalence of such killings on the battlefield and throughout a number of detention websites signifies a widespread and systematic coverage concentrating on Ukrainian POWs and troopers who oppose Russian navy presence. Furthermore, these acts have been accompanied, and sure incited, by public statements from sure Russian officers brazenly calling for the denial of quarter and the killing of all Ukrainian POWs.
The mission additionally discovered credible proof of widespread and systematic torture and ill-treatment, encompassing extreme bodily beatings, electrocution, excessively intense bodily train, stress positions, canine assaults, mock executions, and threats of sexual violence, together with rape, castration, and coerced sexual acts. Psychological intimidation and humiliation had been pervasive. Testimonies from launched POWs point out that 89.4 % skilled some type of ill-treatment, of which 63.8 % reported bodily violence, 55.2 % psychological violence, and 42.9 % sexual violence. Regardless of absolutely the prohibition of torture below worldwide regulation and its recognition as a struggle crime, proof signifies that Ukrainian POWs have been subjected to extreme abuse at each stage of captivity: throughout seize, upon arrival at detention amenities (“welcome beatings” – приёмка), all through internment, and through interrogations to extract confessions. Torture is, once more, not restricted to remoted amenities however happens systematically throughout detention facilities and penal colonies in Russia and the quickly occupied territories, reflecting a follow directed, sanctioned, or tolerated by central authorities.
Circumstances in most detention websites fall far wanting worldwide requirements prescribed by the GCIII and IHRL. Overcrowding, unsanitary circumstances, insufficient meals, water, shelter, heating, or air flow, and restricted entry to medical care are pervasive. Wounded POWs typically die throughout transport or stay untreated, typically leading to everlasting incapacity or dying. POWs are continuously held alongside frequent criminals and civilian detainees, in violation of GCIII. They’re subjected to pressured labour below unsafe circumstances, disadvantaged of private property, and compelled to take part in propaganda movies or humiliating acts. Pressured and repeated transfers exacerbate bodily and psychological struggling. Medical neglect is widespread, with POWs intentionally uncovered to contagious illnesses similar to tuberculosis, denied well timed remedy for accidents, or left with out look after power circumstances. Furthermore, POWs are routinely denied the precise to speak with their households. When communication happens, it’s typically managed and pre-scripted to convey a optimistic picture of captivity. The Russian Nationwide Data Bureau (NIB) doesn’t function transparently, and ICRC entry is restricted or restricted to chose amenities. All these practices, taken collectively, represent deliberate breaches of GCIII and IHRL and will quantity to struggle crimes.
The mission discovered a scientific denial of truthful trial ensures for Ukrainian POWs. People are prosecuted for actions per lawful fight, together with participation in hostilities, but are routinely denied the fundamental protections of due course of. Stories point out widespread use of coerced confessions, lack of entry to efficient authorized counsel, opaque and expedited proceedings, and staged “sham trials” typically employed for propaganda functions. POWs continuously face trials that lack independence and impartiality, with outcomes predetermined and designed to serve political or navy goals fairly than justice. These practices violate the precept of combatant immunity, absolutely the prohibition on coercion, and basic ensures of a good trial as enshrined below each IHL and IHRL. Such systematic disregard for authorized safeguards underscores the continuing sample of abuse.
Along with the 4 foremost classes of violations, the mission documented different severe abuses dedicated towards Ukrainian POWs, for example these in regards to the launch and repatriation. Significantly in poor health or wounded POWs, who below GCIII ought to be prioritized for launch, are continuously deprioritized. No blended medical commissions have been established to supervise or handle the method, and transfers typically happen below unsafe and degrading circumstances. POWs are transported in overcrowded vans with arms tied and eyes lined, and dangerous air transport is typically used, together with in incidents such because the crash of a navy plane carrying POWs. These practices represent violations of IHL obligations for humane remedy, respect for human dignity, and security throughout transfers, and will quantity to struggle crimes.
The Olenivka penal colony (Volnovakha Correctional Colony No. 120), situated within the Donetsk area, within the quickly occupied territories of Ukraine exemplifies systemic abuse of Ukrainian POWs. The ability, housing each POWs and civilians, has been characterised by overcrowding, unsanitary circumstances, insufficient meals and medical care, pressured labour, and widespread bodily and psychological abuse. POWs endure beatings, torture, stress positions, and sexual violence, together with throughout interrogations. In July 2022, explosions destroyed “Barracks 200,” killing 53 POWs and injuring over 100, most from the Azov Regiment, with survivors receiving no medical care and later transported below harsh circumstances. Proof suggests the blasts had been probably attributable to Russian-fired thermobaric munitions. These incidents illustrate each quick and ongoing violations of GCIII and the systematic disregard for the lives and dignity of POWs.
Accountability
The mission was additionally tasked to supply suggestions on related accountability mechanisms. The report examines present mechanisms for making certain accountability and considers how they are often utilized to deal with violations of worldwide regulation arising from the remedy of Ukrainian POWs by the Russian Federation. This evaluation is structured alongside three strains of research: the duty of the Russian Federation as a State, the person legal duty of perpetrators, and the rights of victims to treatments and reparation.
The mission concluded that the Russian Federation bears State duty for quite a few violations of IHL and IHRL in its remedy of Ukrainian POWs. Beneath Frequent Article 1 of the Geneva Conventions and Article 2 of the ICCPR, the Russian Federation should respect and guarantee respect for these our bodies of regulation, together with by stopping, halting, and remedying violations dedicated by its armed forces, State organs, and teams below its efficient management. The mission emphasizes that the Russian Federation should not solely proceed to uphold all relevant guidelines of IHL and IHRL, but additionally instantly stop ongoing violations and supply full reparations together with ensures of non-repetition. Whereas worldwide mechanisms such because the ICJ, the ECtHR (for circumstances predating 16 September 2022), and UN human rights our bodies present avenues for accountability, Russia’s disengagement and non-cooperation with these establishments considerably undermine the prospects of efficient redress.
Particular person legal duty arises for struggle crimes and crimes towards humanity. Ukraine has included these crimes into its Prison Code, together with latest amendments introducing crimes towards humanity and increasing command duty. Ukrainian prosecutors have registered tens of 1000’s of circumstances, leading to some convictions. Different States have initiated investigations and prosecutions below the precept of common jurisdiction, as exemplified by the 2025 conviction in Finland of a Russian fighter for struggle crimes towards a Ukrainian POW. On the worldwide degree, Ukraine’s ratification of the Rome Statute allows complementarity with the Worldwide Prison Court docket (ICC), which is investigating alleged struggle crimes and crimes towards humanity in Ukraine. The mission stresses the significance of the ICC pursuing accountability for abuses towards POWs, together with executions and torture.
Accountability should additionally embody treatments and reparations for victims. Worldwide regulation affirms the precise of victims to fact, justice and reparation, together with compensation, rehabilitation and ensures of non-repetition. Whereas present our bodies such because the ICC Belief Fund for Victims or the ECtHR present restricted avenues, a brand new institutional framework is rising. The UN Common Meeting’s decision of November 2022 and the following institution of the Register of Harm for Ukraine in Might 2023 mark important steps towards documenting claims and laying the groundwork for a broader reparation mechanism. The mission stresses that Ukrainian POWs who suffered hurt should be included as beneficiaries in any eventual reparations system, making certain that accountability interprets into significant justice and redress for victims.
Conclusions
The fifth Moscow Mechanism report associated to the Russia’s struggle of aggression towards Ukraine paperwork widespread and systematic violations of IHL and IHRL by the Russian Federation in its remedy of Ukrainian POWs, together with arbitrary killings, torture, ill-treatment, denial of truthful trial rights, unsafe detention and transfers, and obstruction of humanitarian entry. These violations might represent struggle crimes and, in some circumstances, crimes towards humanity. The report underscores the pressing want for accountability at each the state and particular person ranges, reparations for victims, and continued worldwide monitoring. It reminds the worldwide group that even in struggle, basic ideas of humanity and the rule of regulation should be revered.
The added worth of the report lies in its rigorous verification of information, documenting systematic patterns of abuse that depart no room for denial or claims of ignorance by the Russian Federation and its representatives. By establishing a report of widespread and repeated violations, the report offers a strong evidentiary foundation for accountability at each state and particular person ranges, supporting nationwide prosecutions, common jurisdiction circumstances, and investigations by the ICC, whereas additionally reinforcing the rights of victims to fact, justice, and reparation. Past its authorized implications, it ought to function a historic report, informing the worldwide group, policymakers, and the general public of the deliberate nature of those abuses, and highlighting the Moscow Mechanism’s essential function in enabling unbiased scrutiny of great violations even throughout ongoing armed conflicts.
