National Guard Member Accused of Torturing Fellow Ukrainian POWs to Death Exposed by SBU

SBU Military Counterintelligence Investigates Wartime Crimes Committed in Captivity

According to Главком: The Security Service of Ukraine's military counterintelligence unit, working alongside the State Bureau of Investigation and the Prosecutor General's Office, has gathered evidence against a senior rifleman of the National Guard. While held as a prisoner of war by Russian forces, this individual allegedly abused and tortured other Ukrainian soldiers. Captured by occupying troops in June 2022, the suspect reportedly chose to collaborate with the enemy. He was appointed as the so-called 'supply manager' for the second floor of Barrack No. 8 at the 'Kalinin Correctional Colony No. 27,' located in the temporarily occupied city of Horlivka in Donetsk Oblast.

Brutal Treatment of Prisoners of War

According to witness testimony, in this role the suspect treated fellow POWs with extreme cruelty. Acting on orders from the captors, he subjected Ukrainian prisoners to systematic psychological pressure, threatened them with violence, and forced them to perform grueling physical labor. Investigators have confirmed that his torture led to the death of one Ukrainian soldier, while dozens of others sustained injuries of varying severity.

In March 2025, the senior rifleman was released as part of a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia. A search of his residence uncovered a smartphone containing evidence of his crimes. The suspect has been formally charged under Part 2 of Article 431 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which addresses violence or cruel treatment of prisoners of war. He has been placed in pretrial detention and faces up to eight years in prison.

It is important to note that since 2014, Russia has systematically tortured Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian hostages. Documented data includes:

• six hundred ninety-five distinct forms of torture;
• four hundred six individuals confirmed as tortured, with their status verified by representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross or other sources.

This case highlights the severity of human rights violations occurring in the context of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. - Source unknown

Identifying and punishing those responsible for the brutal treatment of prisoners of war is a critical step toward ensuring justice and restoring trust in the judicial system. Investigations into acts of torture and abuse against military personnel underscore the need for international oversight and continued support for Ukraine in its fight to protect the rights of its citizens.

The investigation into wartime atrocities continues, highlighting the broader issue of mistreatment of captives. Recently, another individual, known as 'Talib,' has been charged with torturing civilians in the Berdyansk region. This case underscores the systemic violence faced by Ukrainians during the ongoing conflict, revealing a disturbing pattern of abuse that demands attention.