“This is the worst thing I have seen in my 20-year career. Torture is common, with over 95% of prisoners being subjected to it. This is a war crime,” said Danielle Bell, head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, on Dutch TV.

The UN representative also took the opportunity to clarify that the treatment of russian prisoners of war in Ukraine is entirely distinct and that the conditions of detention are fully compliant with international humanitarian law.

UN representatives have been granted full access to russian prisoners in Ukraine and are permitted to communicate with them. However, they have been denied access to Ukrainian prisoners in russia.

The Ministry of Reintegration oversees adherence to international humanitarian law within Ukraine and records violations. Of particular concern are war crimes committed against Ukrainian prisoners of war.

The National Information Bureau collects information about Ukrainians detained by russia to ensure their release.

The Ministry reiterates its call on humanitarian organizations, in particular the International Committee of the Red Cross, to demand access to Ukrainians held by the aggressor state and to ensure that russia complies with international humanitarian law.

At the Global Peace Summit held in Switzerland, the Ukrainian side called on the russian side to demand that russia comply with international law on the protection of prisoners of war and civilian hostages. In particular, the Ukrainian side requested the release of all sick and seriously wounded prisoners of war, as well as civilians, especially children.