Kathrine Frich
90% of Ukrainian soldiers released from Russian captivity report violations of basic human rights.
90% of Ukrainian soldiers released from Russian captivity report violations of basic human rights.
“Glory to Russia”
A disturbing photograph of a Ukrainian prisoner of war bearing the words “Glory to Russia” burned into his torso has been confirmed as authentic by Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR).
Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for the agency, confirmed the image’s legitimacy during a television appearance on Tuesday, calling it further evidence of brutal treatment by Russian captors.
Image Confirmed by Ukraine’s Intelligence Service
The image, which surfaced on social media and was widely circulated by Clash Report, was taken during a medical examination at a regional center where the soldier was undergoing rehabilitation after his release.
According to WP, Ukrainian officials have authenticated the photo, citing it as a chilling example of war crimes committed against Ukrainian POWs.
90% of Freed POWs Report Abuse
According to HUR’s Andriy Yusov, an estimated 90% of Ukrainian soldiers released from Russian captivity report violations of basic human rights.
These include inadequate food, lack of medical care, and inhumane treatment, conditions that, he says, are systematically imposed on Ukrainian prisoners.
Stark Contrast Between Ukrainian and Russian Returnees
Officials note a significant health disparity between released Ukrainian and Russian prisoners.
Ukrainian POWs frequently return home severely underweight, injured, and psychologically traumatized.
By contrast, Russian prisoners appear to have been treated far more humanely while in Ukrainian custody, returning in relatively stable condition.
Physical and Psychological Scars
Yusov emphasized that the physical injuries are just part of the ordeal.
Many returning Ukrainian soldiers carry deep psychological trauma that may take years to heal.
The branding of “Glory to Russia” is not just bodily harm—it’s symbolic violence meant to humiliate and dehumanize.
War Crime Allegations Grow
The branding incident adds to a growing list of allegations against Russia regarding violations of international humanitarian law.
Ukrainian officials and international observers have repeatedly accused Russian forces of mistreating prisoners, and this latest evidence could fuel further calls for investigation and accountability.
Prisoner Swap Brings Wounded Home
The incident came to light around the same time as a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that among those returning to Ukraine were wounded soldiers and others under the age of 25.
The swap was the result of recent talks held between the two countries in Turkey.