The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine has documented over 150 cases of executions of Ukrainian servicemen who were taken prisoner by russian forces.

The number of battlefield executions continues to grow. In many instances, russian troops received explicit orders to kill prisoners of war. These crimes are not isolated incidents — they are part of a systematic and deliberate policy sanctioned at the highest levels of the aggressor state: russia.

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, established by the United Nations, confirmed this trend. In its report dated March 19, 2025, the commission recorded an increase in cases where russian troops intentionally killed or maimed Ukrainian soldiers who had surrendered or attempted to surrender.

"Several russian deserters confirmed that they were instructed not to take prisoners, but to execute them," the report notes. "One deserter quoted his brigade deputy commander as saying: 'We don't need prisoners — shoot them on the spot.'"

Additionally, Dr. Morris Tidball-Binz, the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, spoke to CNN, making clear who bears ultimate responsibility:

"This level of scale and frequency would not occur without orders — or, at the very least, approval — from the highest military command. In russia's case, that means the president," he stated.

Every war crime committed against the Ukrainian people will be met with just retribution.