The United Kingdom condemns the systematic torture, abuse, and executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war by the Russian state, which constitutes a systemic violation of the Geneva Conventions. This was stated by the Deputy Ambassador of the UK to the OSCE, Deirdre Brown, during a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Thursday.
"Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a vast amount of evidence from international bodies, human rights organizations, and independent investigations shows that Russia continues to disregard international law. The United Kingdom strongly condemns reports of systematic torture, abuse, and executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war by the Russian state," she stated.
The British diplomat pointed out that the UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine "concluded that Russia's use of torture against prisoners of war and civilian detainees amounts to crimes against humanity."
"The testimony collected by the UN Commission of Inquiry points to deliberate and systematic actions, as well as coordinated state policy of brutality and impunity, highlighting Russia's complete disregard for international norms. The Geneva Conventions clearly define that prisoners of war must be treated humanely. UN and ODIHR reports show that Russia not only failed to meet this obligation but also systematically violates it," Brown said.
The United Kingdom "demands the immediate cessation of all atrocities and calls for independent investigations to hold those responsible accountable—those who perpetrate abuses, as well as those who give the orders."
"Together with our international partners, we will ensure that those responsible—at all levels of Russian power—are brought to justice," assured the Deputy Ambassador of the UK to the OSCE.
She also emphasized that the United Kingdom demands that the Russian state ensure humane treatment of all detainees and grant the ICRC unhindered access to detention facilities in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.
"We continue to urge Russia to abide by international humanitarian law and not to exploit prisoners of war and civilian detainees for political purposes. All arbitrarily detained individuals must be released, including our colleagues—three members of the Special Monitoring Mission. We continue to call for their release," Brown added.
