By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On July 1, Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported a suspected war crime involving the alleged execution of a Ukrainian prisoner of war, citing a video depicting a captive being dragged by a motorcycle. This incident contributes to mounting evidence of systematic Geneva Convention violations by Russian forces, specifically the killing of Ukrainian captives. Lubinets has communicated with the UN and ICRC about the incident. Reports from HUR and other agencies indicate that these executions are part of a larger, deliberate policy directed by Russia’s military leadership, with confirmed incidents exceeding 150 cases.
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Tied to a motorcycle and dragged — Russia likely executed another Ukrainian POW, ombudsman says. This is, without a doubt, a horrific headline. It paints a picture of unspeakable cruelty, a violation of every basic human decency. It’s difficult to even fathom the level of brutality that would lead someone to commit such an act. The Geneva Conventions, those supposed rules of war designed to protect even combatants, seem utterly meaningless in the face of such barbarity. It makes you question the very nature of humanity and how such monstrous actions can be committed, especially during times of war.
This isn’t just a military action, this is murder. There is a very distinct difference. An execution, even in the context of war, often implies a legal process, however skewed that process might be. Dragging a prisoner of war behind a motorcycle until they meet a brutal end is nothing short of premeditated, cruel murder. We need to be clear about the language we use. It’s essential to properly describe the atrocities being committed, and we should hold those responsible accountable using the correct terminology. This is not just a casualty of war; it’s a calculated act of savagery, a throwback to a darker, medieval past.
The idea that such events unfold with no oversight, no accountability, is deeply disturbing. The silence of the international community is deafening, making it hard to fathom how the world is failing to prevent this. Who’s watching? Who’s investigating? Who is going to be held responsible? If there are no consequences for these war crimes, how can we expect anything to change? This cycle of violence and impunity will just continue. It’s hard to avoid feeling a sense of despair and outrage about what is happening and a general feeling that it is all wrong.
The chilling question here, of course, is, who was driving the motorcycle? And even more importantly, who gave the order? Is it a reflection of individual sadism, or is it part of a larger, systemic issue? Is it a case of an isolated act of barbarity, or is this type of cruelty reflective of an official policy?
The reality is that holding anyone accountable is incredibly complex, particularly in the context of a conflict as brutal and deeply entrenched as this one. History is filled with examples of those who perpetrate war crimes rarely facing justice, especially when their own nations are strong and influential. The wheels of international justice often turn slowly, if at all, especially when the perpetrators are backed by significant military and political power.
Consider the track record. It’s easy to point fingers at Russia, and rightly so in this situation. But let’s not pretend that other nations have always acted with complete moral rectitude in wartime. The world is filled with examples of nations avoiding accountability for their military actions. If you are a strong nation, chances are you won’t be held to account.
The sad truth is that war crimes trials typically occur after the war is over, if they happen at all. The winners get to set the terms. The losers face the music. The Hague, the International Criminal Court, can only do so much. The political realities often trump the pursuit of justice, making it very difficult to prosecute the powerful.
The same dynamics play out repeatedly. While the scale and severity of the atrocities are undoubtedly a factor, political alliances, geopolitical considerations, and the balance of power are major influences.
The tragic circumstances of the Ukrainian POW, dragged behind a motorcycle, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of conflict. It highlights the importance of remembering the human cost of war. It’s easy to get caught up in the strategic analyses, the political calculations, and the military movements. But we must never forget that behind every headline, there’s a human life, a family, and a story of unimaginable pain. This case, if true, is a stark reminder of the moral failing when the rules of war are abandoned.