Russian Torture Systematic and Widespread
95% of Ukrainian Prisoners Report "Torture Experience"
The horrific reality of severe torture inflicted by Russia on Ukrainian prisoners of war has been revealed.
"Electric shocks were a game... Hellish days destroying humanity" Russia's brutal torture life over prisoners exposed
In July, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 95 prisoners each. The photo is not directly related to the content of the article. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]
On the 24th, Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun reported an interview with a former Ukrainian soldier who endured Russian torture for 11 months. Maksim Kolesnikov (48), who lives in Kyiv, recalled, "It was hellish days that destroyed my humanity." Originally working at a financial institution, Kolesnikov volunteered immediately after the invasion, saying "I must protect my homeland," and fought against Russian forces near Makariv, close to Kyiv.
However, on March 20, 2022, while defending a communications facility, they were surrounded by Russian tanks, and the commander decided to surrender. About 50 people, including Kolesnikov, laid down their arms and surrendered. The Russian forces tied their hands, blindfolded them, and transported them by vehicle. After passing through Belarus, they arrived at a prison in Bryansk Oblast in western Russia, where torture began to control the prisoners.
The most feared time was reportedly shower time. Several guards would restrain the prisoners and administer electric shocks to their wet bodies. The guards reportedly laughed heartily and enjoyed watching the prisoners scream in pain. Kolesnikov added, "The torture seemed like a simple amusement for them."
"Even after a year and a half, my physical condition hasn't recovered... But I do not regret fighting"
The appearance of repatriated prisoners revealed by Ukraine last June. The photo is not directly related to the content of the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]
He was also taken out to the hallway one by one every morning and evening, beaten with metal rods, and dragged across the floor. They were forced to run naked inside the building and shout "Glory to Russia."
Kolesnikov was released in February last year as one of 117 prisoners exchanged. He lost 32 kg during the harsh 11-month captivity. Although a year and a half have passed since his release, he still suffers from physical and mental aftereffects caused by the torture. Scars remain on his legs and buttocks injured by torture, and his muscles have atrophied and have not returned to their previous state. He said, "Although captivity left indelible wounds, I do not regret fighting," and added, "Ukraine cannot surrender. This is a war for our survival."
Meanwhile, Ukrainian state media reported that as of January this year, about 8,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been taken prisoner. The Ukrainian government stated that 54 prisoner exchanges have taken place by July, with a total of over 3,400 soldiers and civilians returned.
The UN human rights monitoring team reported that Russian torture of prisoners was carried out systematically and extensively, with 95% of captured Ukrainian soldiers experiencing torture. The human rights team has repeatedly condemned this as a violation of the Geneva Conventions, which regulate the humane treatment of prisoners.
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