Over 200 Ukrainian prisoners of war have died in Russian captivity since the 2022 invasion, with evidence suggesting abuse contributed to many deaths. Human rights groups, the UN, and Ukrainian officials point to forensic discrepancies and mutilated bodies as proof of torture, starvation, and inadequate medical care in Russian prisons. Russia denies these allegations but has faced accusations of far more severe prisoner abuse than Ukraine. The death of Serhii Hryhoriev, a Ukrainian POW, highlights the alleged mistreatment, with conflicting accounts of his death cause.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.