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“Glory to Russia” Carved Into Ukrainian POW: Torture Photo Confirmed as Authentic

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Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
AUTHOR

A Ukrainian soldier, recently returned from Russian captivity, shows extensive scarring across his abdomen, including the mutilated phrase “СЛАВА РОССИИ” (“Glory to Russia”) carved into his skin. The image, verified by Ukrainian military intelligence, was taken by a doctor during post-release medical examination. (Source: Clash Report)
A Ukrainian soldier, recently returned from Russian captivity, shows extensive scarring across his abdomen, including the mutilated phrase “СЛАВА РОССИИ” (“Glory to Russia”) carved into his skin. The image, verified by Ukrainian military intelligence, was taken by a doctor during post-release medical examination. (Source: Clash Report)

A photo has surfaced online showing a Ukrainian prisoner of war with the phrase “Glory to Russia” mutilated into his abdomen. Ukrainian military intelligence has verified the image as authentic.

The photo, first published by the X account Clash Report on June 9, shows extensive scarring, signs of torture, and possible surgical intervention. It quickly spread across social media and news platforms.

UNITED24 Media reached out to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War of Ukraine. A representative confirmed the photo’s authenticity and stated that such cases are not isolated incidents.

“We all saw this photo today. Unfortunately, the majority of Ukrainians in Russian captivity are held in very poor conditions,” the official told United24 Media. “There is no access for international organizations like the ICRC. Detention sites remain closed and non-transparent.”

He added that the treatment of POWs in Russia reflects systemic practices rather than isolated incidents. “We know about widespread torture. This is not about a few rogue individuals—it’s a state policy. We need the international community to increase pressure to allow independent monitoring and ultimately stop these abuses.”

Describing the condition of recently returned POWs, the official emphasized the psychological and physical toll. “These are very young men, often under 25. Months or even years in detention can have lasting effects on their health. Some require extended, even lifelong, mental health support.”

Despite the challenges, Ukraine continues to implement specialized reintegration programs for returning soldiers. “We are committed to ensuring that every one of them has the support needed to return to civilian life.”

According to Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, who spoke during an interview on Ukraine’s national telethon, the image shows a Ukrainian soldier who was returned during an earlier prisoner exchange.

The photo was taken by a doctor during a post-release examination at a regional rehabilitation center and later posted online due to the severity of the injuries.

“This is a real image. It was taken during a routine medical checkup after one of the earlier exchanges. The doctor simply couldn’t stay silent and photographed it,” Yusov said during a national news broadcast on June 10. “It shows what our defenders are subjected to in captivity.”

Yusov added that about 90% of returned Ukrainian soldiers report poor conditions, lack of medical care, and significant weight loss. “There’s a stark difference between the condition of Ukrainian soldiers returning home and that of Russian soldiers going back to Russia.”

Earlier, a February 2025 Wall Street Journal investigation revealed that Russian prison officials ordered guards to torture Ukrainian POWs from the start of the invasion, using electric shocks, beatings, and medical neglect. Former officers described the abuse as systematic and state-sanctioned.

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