-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Ivan Khomenko")
Ukraine has opened a new prisoner of war (POW) camp, “Zakhid-4,” as the number of Russian soldiers surrendering continues to increase.
According to Ukrainian state project “I Want to Live,” despite claims from Russian state media that “Russians don’t surrender,” the growing number of POWs has prompted Ukraine to expand its capacity to house them. The new facility has already started receiving detainees.
The camp operates in compliance with the Geneva Conventions, providing humane conditions, including individual sleeping arrangements, medical care, and three meals per day. Prisoners are also allowed to send and receive parcels and money transfers from their families. Although some sections of the camp are still being renovated, current conditions meet international humanitarian law standards.
International human rights organizations and media are permitted to visit “Zakhid-4” and other POW camps.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities report that many Ukrainian soldiers are held in high-security colonies across various Russian regions and in detention centers in occupied territories, often without access to international monitors. There have been multiple reports alleging mistreatment in these facilities.
Through the Ukrainian state project “I Want to Live,” which assists Russian soldiers in surrendering, Ukraine guarantees that those who surrender will be treated in line with the Geneva Conventions. Launched in September 2022 and managed by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, the project has helped over 300 soldiers voluntarily surrender.
Those who surrender are offered the opportunity to return to Russia through prisoner exchanges or apply for asylum in Ukraine or other countries.
Previously, on May 30, 2024, Ukraine opened another camp for POWs named “Tsentr-3.” This decision was prompted by a surge Russia’s refusal to cooperate with prisoner exchanges, leading to the necessity of establishing additional facilities.
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