Russian authorities have subjected Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees to torture, prolonged secret detentions, enforced disappearances, and other inhumane treatment. According to Amnesty International’s latest report, published on March 4, 2025, these acts constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The report, titled A Deafening Silence: Secret Detention, Enforced Disappearances, and Torture of Ukrainians in Russian Captivity , reveals that since February 2022, Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians held by Russia have been deliberately cut off from the outside world often for years. The lack of transparency regarding their whereabouts and conditions has allowed acts of torture, mistreatment, and extrajudicial executions to continue with impunity.
International human rights organisations condemn Russia’s systematic secret detention of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians, describing it as a deliberate strategy to dehumanise and silence them. This policy exposes detainees to torture, deprives them of legal protection, and leaves their families in deep distress.
The report highlights that thousands of Ukrainians are being held in Russia and occupied territories, often without any information about their fate. Many prisoners of war are kept in secret captivity, while Russia denies access to international organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This systematic concealment of detainees constitutes a blatant violation of international law.
There are many documented harrowing testimonies of torture, including the use of batons and electric shocks, as well as the deliberate denial of medical treatment. The organization asserts that these practices amount to crimes against humanity and urges Russia to comply with the Geneva Conventions, which guarantee fundamental rights to prisoners of war.
In response to these violations, the international community has to intensify its efforts to hold Russia accountable, using all available legal mechanisms, including universal jurisdiction. Without justice, the suffering of Ukrainian prisoners of war, civilians, and their families will only deepen.
As the Right Defenders Initiative (RDI), we strongly oppose the inhumane and unlawful treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians in Russian captivity. The systematic use of torture, enforced disappearances, and secret detentions is a direct assault on human rights and international legal norms. We demand that Russia immediately comply with international humanitarian law and cease all acts of violence against detainees. The global community must take decisive action to ensure accountability and justice for these egregious crimes. Silence and inaction will only perpetuate further suffering and impunity.
Furthermore, we call on Russia to allow international humanitarian organisations unrestricted access to all prisoners of war. Denying oversight from groups such as the International Committee of the Red Cross prevents essential humanitarian aid and protection for detainees. Immediate access must be granted to ensure that their basic rights and well-being are safeguarded under international law.
https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/EUR-50.9046.2025-A-deafening-silence-2.pdf
