OPG investigates deaths of at least 241 Ukrainians in Russian captivity

The Office of the Prosecutor General (OPG) reported that it is investigating the deaths of at least 241 Ukrainian citizens who were held in Russian captivity. This information was provided in a comment on the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia, which mentioned the deaths of Ukrainians in captivity.

Data on the deceased

Under the procedural supervision of OPG prosecutors, at least 241 facts of Ukrainian deaths have been established. Among the deceased:

• 230 prisoners of war;
• 11 civilians.

«Лише у кримінальних провадженнях, які розслідуються за процесуального керівництва прокурорів Офісу Генерального прокурора, встановлено 241 випадок загибелі українців у російському полоні. Серед загиблих — 230 військовополонених та 11 цивільних осіб. Йдеться про 23 кримінальні провадження, розпочаті від початку повномасштабного вторгнення РФ» (In criminal proceedings investigated under the procedural supervision of prosecutors of the Office of the Prosecutor General, 241 cases of deaths of Ukrainians in Russian captivity have been established. Among the deceased are 230 prisoners of war and 11 civilians. This concerns 23 criminal proceedings initiated since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion), the Office of the Prosecutor General stated.

The department clarified that the figures cited refer only to facts of death confirmed during investigations. They do not include information from proceedings under the procedural supervision of regional prosecutors.

Investigation progress

Law enforcement agencies are establishing the causes and circumstances of the deaths of Ukrainians who were held on the territory of Russia and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. In particular, they are investigating possible facts of torture, cruel treatment, failure to provide necessary medical assistance, and other violations of the laws and customs of war.

The circumstances of attacks on places of detention for prisoners and cases of deaths during their transportation are being examined separately. In each case, the investigation establishes the circumstances of death, detention conditions, and individuals involved in possible war crimes.

Investigative results

As a result of the investigations, nine individuals have been notified of suspicion. Indictments against three individuals have been referred to court. One person has already been convicted.

Criminal proceedings are being investigated under Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (war crimes that caused the death of a person). Pre-trial investigations are ongoing.