OSCE report finds clear indications of human rights violations against Ukrainian soldiers and POWs in Russia’s war of aggression

OSCE report finds clear indications of human rights violations against Ukrainian soldiers and POWs in Russia's war of aggression

At the meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on 25 September, the Moscow Mechanism mission of experts presented their report on violations of international humanitarian and human rights law related to the treatment of Ukrainian soldiers and prisoners of war (POWs) in Russia's war of aggression. The report examines Russia's systematic torture, ill-treatment and execution of Ukrainian soldiers and POWs.

Interviews conducted by the Moscow Mechanism mission of expertsreveal that soldiers and POWs have been subject to systematic torture and inhumane treatment. According to the interviews, arbitrary executions and other mistreatment, including sexual violence, have taken place upon capture.

According to the report, civilians have also been arrested without charge and subjected to similar mistreatment as soldiers.

The report's findings indicate that Russia has committed other serious violations. For example, it has denied POW status to Ukrainian soldiers and prevented their right to maintain contacts with family members or the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), among others.

Finland and 40 other participating States invoked the Moscow Mechanism together with Ukraine in July. The report was prepared by an independent group of experts.

This is the fifth report under the Moscow Mechanism related to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

What is the Moscow Mechanism?

The Moscow Mechanism is an OSCE instrument for investigating the implementation of OSCE human rights commitments in the participating States.

The mechanism is an attempt to hold Russia and its leadership and authorities accountable for international law violations committed during Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

Previous Moscow Mechanism reports on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine

In 2022, two reports were published (in April and in July) on violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in Ukraine during Russia's war of aggression.

In 2023, a report was published examining reports of forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children to parts of Ukraine controlled by Russia or to Russia.

In 2024, a report was published on civilian detainees in Ukraine.