Project Launch: 'Made in Russia. Delivered into Captivity'
Ukraine’s Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, has unveiled a project titled 'Made in Russia. Delivered into Captivity,' which details systematic torture by Russia of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian hostages—a practice ongoing since 2014. According to the evidence presented by Lubinets, the following has been documented:
- 695 forms of torture;
- 406 tortured individuals;
- 860 instances of inadequate detention conditions;
- 2,112 illegal sentences.
Since 2014, Russia has systematically tortured Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian hostages. Records show 695 distinct torture methods, including:
- physical and psychological torture;
- sexual violence;
- strangulation;
- beatings;
- use of electric shock devices;
- dog attacks;
- forced standing for up to 18 hours.
Dmytro Lubinets stated:
'We officially confirm that, according to our data, the Russian Federation employs 695 different forms of torture.'He also highlighted the harsh conditions prisoners endure, noting:
'Inadequate detention conditions include unsanitary environments, starvation as a coercive method, lack of medical care, and beatings during initial intake.'
According to the data, 406 Ukrainian citizens—either prisoners of war or civilian hostages—were tortured and subsequently returned to Ukraine. 'Sadly, on their shields,' Lubinets remarked. Additionally, 860 cases of improper detention conditions were recorded. Russia has also issued court rulings against 2,112 Ukrainian prisoners of war, imposing sentences ranging from 20 to 25 years, as well as life imprisonment.
Dmytro Lubinets emphasized that all defenders returned from captivity in the May 31, 2024, exchange confirmed instances of torture. 'We sent them separate invitations. They are not in the hall. They do not want to hear again that there is a problem with the execution of their mandate,' he said, pointing to the absence of international partners at the event where this data was presented.
Appeal to the International Community
This information highlights serious human rights violations by Russia that demand urgent action from the international community and human rights organizations.
The documented facts of systematic torture and inadequate detention conditions for prisoners of war are part of a broader pattern of human rights abuses in the context of the conflict in Ukraine. Dmytro Lubinets’ presentation aims to draw global attention to these crimes and calls for measures to hold perpetrators accountable and restore rule of law. Emphasizing the critical need for international support and human rights initiatives underscores the necessity of collective efforts to address this humanitarian crisis.
The alarming findings presented by Dmytro Lubinets highlight the severe human rights violations faced by Ukrainian prisoners. In a related development, reports have emerged detailing the transfer of 375 bodies by Russia to Ukraine, many of which exhibit signs of torture. This tragic incident underscores the ongoing brutality and raises further questions about the treatment of captives. For more information on the disturbing evidence surrounding these cases, see the recent report on the tortured bodies handed over by Russia.