Russian Soldier's Guilt in 2022 POW Murder Proven by Sumy Region Police

Ukrainian Prisoner of War Murdered

According to Главком: Police in Ukraine's Sumy region have established the guilt of Russian serviceman Artyom Skvortsov in the 2022 murder of Ukrainian prisoner of war Volodymyr Lysenko. The killing has been classified as a violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with the intentional murder of a captive. This case is part of a broader effort to document alleged war crimes committed during the Russian invasion.

The investigation determined that Skvortsov was directly involved in Lysenko's execution, an act that has provoked public outrage. In a separate but related development, Ukraine's Ministry of Defense has officially refuted rumors concerning financial claims against the family of Nazar Daletsky, a soldier from the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade. Daletsky, who was mistakenly declared dead for over three years due to a DNA testing error, returned home on February 5, 2026, as part of a prisoner exchange. These contrasting events highlight the profound and often tragic complexities faced by military families during wartime.

The Critical Need to Investigate War Crimes

Cases involving war crimes remain crucial for international and humanitarian law, as holding perpetrators accountable is a fundamental element of achieving justice. Investigating and prosecuting crimes against prisoners of war also significantly impacts societal morale and the broader perception of the conflict. The pursuit of accountability is seen as essential for upholding the rules of war, even amidst ongoing hostilities.

Furthermore, the return of Nazar Daletsky underscores the intricate challenges of prisoner exchanges and the vital importance of maintaining support for the families of service members during prolonged conflicts.