Ukrainian law enforcement authorities are investigating 241 deaths of Ukrainians held in Russian captivity, including 230 prisoners of war and 11 civilians. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, 23 criminal proceedings have been opened in connection with these cases. The figures were released by the Office of the Prosecutor General.
The Office clarified that the data covers only deaths confirmed during these investigations and does not include cases overseen by prosecutors at regional prosecutor's offices.
Investigators are working to establish the causes and circumstances of the deaths of Ukrainians held in detention facilities in Russia and Russian-controlled territories of Ukraine.
The investigations include possible cases of torture, ill-treatment, denial of necessary medical care and other violations of the laws and customs of war.
Authorities are also examining attacks on detention facilities and deaths that occurred during the transportation of prisoners.
In each case, investigators are seeking to establish the circumstances of death, conditions of detention and the identities of individuals potentially responsible for war crimes.
As a result of the investigations, nine individuals have been formally notified of suspicion, while indictments against three people have been submitted to court. One person has already been convicted.
The criminal proceedings are being conducted under Part 2 of Article 438 of Ukraine's Criminal Code, concerning war crimes resulting in death. The investigations are supervised by prosecutors from the Department for Combating Crimes Committed in Conditions of Armed Conflict within the Office of the Prosecutor General.
