Charges of physical violence
The Security Service of Ukraine and the Office of the Prosecutor General have completed the collection of evidence regarding new war crimes. Law enforcement officers have notified Serhiy Kot of suspicion in absentia. He held the position of inspector in the supervision and regime department of Pre-trial Detention Centre No. 2 in the city of Vyazma, Smolensk Oblast, Russian Federation.
According to the investigation materials, the suspect directly participated in the torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war who were illegally held in the aforementioned facility since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Torture methods and detention conditions
The investigation established that Serhiy Kot personally inflicted numerous blows with his hands and feet on Ukrainian servicemen. The use of a PR-73 type rubber baton and an electric shock device by him is also documented.
After the application of physical violence, the victims were left without adequate medical assistance. Prisoners were held in overcrowded cells of the pre-trial detention centre.
Violations of international law
The actions of the Russian inspector grossly violate the provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War of 12 August 1949. In particular, Articles 4, 13, 14, and 15 are ignored, which guarantee the protection of prisoners of war from violence, respect for their person, and oblige the detaining power to provide necessary medical assistance.
Based on the evidence collected, Serhiy Kot was notified of suspicion in absentia under Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (war crimes).
Investigation context
In spring 2026, the SBU had already notified the head and the head of the department of this same pre-trial detention centre of suspicion. According to the investigation, they are implicated in organising the mass torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war held in the facility.
Currently, law enforcement officers have documented the probable involvement in these crimes of another staff member of the facility who was subordinate to the management. Comprehensive measures are currently underway to bring the suspect to criminal liability. The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by SBU investigators under the procedural supervision of the Office of the Prosecutor General.
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