UN Rapporteur: Russian POWs find Favorable conditions in Ukrainian custody

10 September, 2023 Russian prisoners of war in the Ukrainian camp. January 2023. Ukraine.

Photo credits: Meduza Russian prisoners of war are satisfied with the attitude towards them in places of detention in Ukraine, some are even surprised [with it]. Ukrinform reported about this.

The corresponding statement was made by Alice Jill Edwards, UN Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. "Ukrainian authorities made efforts to treat Russian prisoners of war with respect. Prisoners of war are placed in barracks-type buildings, they are provided with bed linen, clothes, hygiene products and food," said Edwards, speaking about visiting a prison camp in the Lviv region.

Russian prisoners of war in the Ukrainian camp.

January 2023. Ukraine. Photo credits: Meduza

Edwards noted that the camp where the prisoners are held is neat, there is good nutrition, and medical care is provided to those who need it.

POWs performed paid work, had the opportunity to visit the library, and were in an open space. In addition, they were provided with the opportunity to maintain communication with their families by phone. "The prisoners I interviewed were generally pleased, and some were surprised by the attitude towards them.

Some were worried that they did not know when they would be able to return home and whether they would be included in the exchange," said Edwards. At the same time, she noted that she had information about cases of harsh treatment of Russian invaders by the Ukrainian military during their capture and movement to future detention facilities.

Russian prisoners of war in the Ukrainian camp. January 2023.

Ukraine. Photo credits: Meduza

At the same time, Edwards noted that in another camp where prisoners of war are held, there are infrastructure problems and the penitentiary institution does not fully meet international standards, despite attempts to repair some parts. The Special Rapporteur noted that she had full and unhindered access to all facilities and could conduct confidential interviews with anyone who wanted to talk to her.

She will publish a full report on the results of the visit with a more detailed analysis and recommendations in March.

In January, Militarnyi reported that the Ukrainian camp showed how the Russians were being held.