Two drone videos, one Ukrainian and one Russian, captured the aftermath of four Ukrainian soldiers surrendering to Russian troops in Piatykhatky. The Ukrainian footage depicts the execution of the prisoners, a clear violation of international law, while the Russian video abruptly cuts before the killings. This incident, one of many documented killings of Ukrainian prisoners of war, highlights concerns that a potential peace deal, coupled with decreased US support for war crimes investigations, may hinder accountability for atrocities committed since the 2022 invasion. Ukrainian officials assert that such killings are part of a deliberate Russian policy, a claim denied by the Kremlin.
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These actions collectively hinder Ukrainian efforts to reunite children separated from their families and to investigate Russian war crimes, due to funding freezes and the dismantling of USAID. Furthermore, the Trump administration’s actions, including installing Pete Marocco and a rebuke of President Zelenskyy, demonstrate a potential shift towards aligning with Russian interests, as evidenced by the suspension (and later reinstatement) of vital intelligence sharing. Marocco’s past meetings with pro-Russian separatists further underscore this concerning trend.
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Seventy-three-year-old American Stephen James Hubbard, captured in Izium, Ukraine, in April 2022, was subjected to brutal torture in Russian prisons after being falsely accused of being a mercenary. Despite claims of his involvement in Ukraine’s territorial defense, these allegations are refuted by locals and fellow prisoners, who attest to his inhumane treatment, including beatings, electric shocks, and forced exposure to the cold. The US State Department now considers Hubbard wrongfully detained, but despite this designation, Russian authorities have hindered his family’s attempts to contact him and refused access to US officials. Hubbard, who maintains his innocence, has endured severe health problems due to the abuse while exhibiting unwavering resilience.
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A U.N. investigation documented both Ukrainian and Russian forces committing executions, analyzing visual evidence and witness testimonies. These incidents, occurring during Russian offensives, were contextualized by public statements from Russian officials explicitly advocating for the inhumane treatment and execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war. The U.N. mission highlighted the potential for such statements, coupled with amnesty laws, to incite unlawful actions. Both the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office and Ombudsman have also reported increased instances of prisoner executions.
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Following its liberation in November 2022, Kherson, Ukraine, has faced relentless Russian attacks. These attacks include indiscriminate shelling and, since June, daily drone strikes targeting civilians, creating a terrifying environment described as a “safari” by residents. The destruction of the Kakhovka dam further compounded the city’s suffering, flooding low-lying areas. Consequently, Kherson’s population has plummeted to 80,000, a fraction of its pre-war size, as its citizens endure a new wave of hardship.
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In response to the execution of two Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian soldiers from the 40th Arctic Brigade, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces conducted a targeted operation. The operation resulted in the deaths of three Russian soldiers and the capture of three others, who have reportedly confessed to the killings under orders from their commander. These actions followed numerous documented violations of the Geneva Conventions by Russian forces, including the reported execution of at least 124 Ukrainian POWs. The captured soldiers’ testimonies and the recovered bodies of the Ukrainian soldiers are now being used as evidence of these war crimes.
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The assertion that Russians are burning the faces of dead North Korean soldiers to conceal their presence in the war is unsettling, to say the least. The sheer brutality of such an act speaks volumes about the disregard for human life, and the lengths to which some will go to obscure the truth. It raises questions about the nature of the conflict and the ethical boundaries being crossed.
This alleged practice suggests a level of desperation and incompetence on the part of the Russian forces. Why go to such extreme measures if the world already knows North Korean soldiers are fighting alongside them?… Continue reading
A Belarusian Investigative Center report details a Russian-operated torture chamber in Naroulia, Belarus, active in spring 2022. Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians were held and tortured at this camp, located on Belarusian government-owned property near the Ukrainian border. Human rights activists and former prisoners corroborated the brutal treatment, citing severe beatings and constant screams. The camp’s operation potentially violates the Geneva Convention, given the commingling of prisoners of war and civilians.
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Shocking video evidence provided by Ukrainian forces shows Russian soldiers executing at least two unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war in the Kursk region. This heinous act, which appears to be part of a disturbing trend, constitutes a blatant violation of the Geneva Convention and international humanitarian law. Ukrainian officials, including the Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, have condemned the execution and have contacted international organizations like the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross to investigate this atrocity. Recent reports from the American Institute for the Study of War indicate a rise in executions of Ukrainian POWs, suggesting that these crimes may be sanctioned or even directed by Russian military leadership.
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Days after the horrifying incident where Russian marines murdered nine Ukrainian prisoners, the desire for revenge within the Ukrainian paratroopers is palpable. The act of killing prisoners is undoubtedly one of the most foolish decisions a military force can make. Not only does it reduce the likelihood of enemies surrendering, but it also escalates the level of violence on both sides, resulting in more deaths. The Ukrainians are fighting for their lives, and the brutal treatment of prisoners by the Russians only fuels their determination.
The lack of respect for human life and dignity shown by the Russian marines is appalling.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood