UN says over 16,000 civilians held by Russia during war

Key Points:

• The United Nations estimates over 16,000 Ukrainian civilians detained by Russia during the war are still held unlawfully, many incommunicado and subjected to torture, sexual violence, and inhumane conditions.
• U.N. human rights officials reported that more than 95% of Ukrainian prisoners of war and 85% of civilian detainees interviewed experienced repeated torture or ill-treatment, with documented executions and deaths in custody.
• Former detainees, including a Crimean Tatar activist and a Ukrainian soldier, shared harrowing testimonies of torture, fabricated charges, and severe mistreatment by Russian forces.
• The U.N. also noted abuses against Russian prisoners held by Ukraine, primarily during initial captivity, though conditions in Ukrainian detention facilities have reportedly improved and comply with international law.
• Russia denied allegations of mistreatment, accusing NATO countries of a disinformation campaign aimed at undermining peace efforts, while Ukraine urged the return of all prisoners of war and civilian detainees.