- December 11, 2024
- 1:01 am
- Ukraine
According to data Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights Dmitry Lubinets, 2024d became a tragic record: 109 executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian military confirmed.
Comparison with previous years speaks for itself. During the period from 2022 to 2023, 177 cases of such crimes were documentedwhich means that in just one year Russia committed about 61.6% of all recorded executions in previous periods.
“We are more able to officially record violations of the rights of Ukrainian prisoners of war, executions, cynical executions at point-blank range, unfortunately,” Lubinets said.
Key figures:
- 109 executions in 2024.
- On average, it's more 9 cases per month.
- Until 2024 – 177 cases in two years, which is 7-8 per month.
Such actions, as Lubinets said, are a serious violation of international law, in particular the Geneva Convention.
Quote: “By laying down their arms and ceasing hostilities, Ukrainian prisoners of war fully comply with the status that protects their rights. However, instead of observing these norms, the Russian military carries out executions, often at point-blank range,” Lubinets emphasized.
In the photo – a mural in Kyiv in honor Alexander Matsievsky. As the SBU managed to establish, Alexander Matsievsky was shot on December 30, 2022. His body was returned home in February 2023. — we wrote: Death for “Glory to Ukraine”: the name of the Hero shot by the Russian occupiers has been finally established
Repatriation of bodies: challenges and identification process
An important part of the ombudsman’s work remains coordinating the repatriation of the bodies of dead Ukrainian prisoners of war. Lubinets said the number of bodies handed over has increased over the past year. At the same time, the process of their identification remains complex and lengthy.
“After we receive them, the identification procedure and comparison of DNA tests begins. This is how bodies are identified. Sometimes it lasts a month or two, sometimes a little more. It all depends on the complexity of these tests. I am in direct communication with all the authorities that are responsible for this: the Ministry of Health, the investigative authorities of the National Police. We hold meetings regularly. meetings with families of prisoners of war and missing persons, where government officials answer questions in my presence,” Lubinets said.
- Body identification process:
- Deadlines vary from 1 to 3 monthsdepending on the complexity of the examinations.
- DNA testing is carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the National Police.
- On average, hundreds of bodies are identified per year, many of which are returned after a long time.
These figures highlight how critical the work of international organizations in searching for missing people and returning bodies is.
The Geneva Convention and the world's reaction
“These cases have really increased, and legally we must interpret this as the shooting of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian soldiers. Because, according to the Geneva Convention, we record that Ukrainian soldiers have fulfilled all the conditions to be considered prisoners of war. They laid down their arms and showed that they were no longer fighting.
As a rule, the Russians put them on the ground and then shoot them at point-blank range..
That's why legally this is classified as serious war crimes committed by the Russians“, — he said commenting on the situation.
The Geneva Convention is the basis of international humanitarian law. Its articles directly prohibit:
- Execution of prisoners of war;
- Abuse;
- Humiliation of human dignity.
According to reports from international organizations, Russia violated the convention more than 500 times between 2022 and 2024. However, 2024 was the most dramatic year in terms of the number of recorded crimes.
Publishing video materials: necessity or risk?
Dmitry Lubinets noted that Ukraine has begun to publish video evidence of Russian war crimes more often. This is being done to attract the attention of the international community and increase pressure on the Russian Federation. However, such publications are associated with risks, including traumatizing the relatives of the victims.
Quote: “We publish materials only in extreme cases, so that the world understands the cruelty Ukraine faces. This is not just a war, it is an attempt to break the people and their spirit,” Lubinets said.
Israel and Ukraine: common challenges and opportunities
For Israel, as for Ukraine, issues of human rights and combating war crimes are of particular importance. The history of the Jewish people teaches us the importance of international support and protection of human life.
On our website NAnews – Israel News Previously, the topic of interaction between Ukraine and Israel in matters of human rights was raised. Today, these two countries are at the forefront of the fight for justice.
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