Prosecutor’s Office Launches Investigation into Execution of Ukrainian POWs in Kursk Region

The Ukrainian Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in the Kursk region, qualifying the case as a violation of the laws and customs of war.

According to the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, Andrii Kostin, the investigation concerns the reported killing of nine Ukrainian POWs by Russian soldiers. Kostin emphasized that the murder of POWs constitutes a severe violation of the Geneva Conventions and an international crime.

“We have initiated a criminal proceeding regarding the violation of laws and customs of war, combined with intentional murder. We are taking all necessary steps to identify and prosecute those responsible for the crimes committed by the aggressor state against Ukraine and its citizens,” stated Kostin.

The incident reportedly occurred on October 10, when Russian forces executed the nine Ukrainian servicemen near the village of Zelenyi Shlyakh. Analysts from the DeepState service noted that the Ukrainian fighters were advancing towards positions, believing they were in a relatively secure area. However, they faced enemy combat and, due to limited ammunition, had to surrender.

Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets has reached out to the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross regarding this matter. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called on international partners and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to respond decisively to the actions of the Russian military.

Sybiha remarked on social media that “the brutal treatment of Ukrainian POWs by Russia is an absolute barbarism and a gross violation of international humanitarian law, as well as the laws and customs of war.” He highlighted that such executions of Ukrainian prisoners are becoming increasingly frequent. According to UN reports, 95% of POWs experience torture and are denied basic needs.

This incident is part of a troubling pattern, with multiple recorded instances of executions and mistreatment of Ukrainian POWs by Russian forces. Previously, 16 Ukrainian POWs were brutally executed by Russian troops in the Pokrovsk direction.