War crimes

Russian troops suspected of executing Ukrainian POWs in Kursk Oblast, ombudsman says

Russian forces are suspected of summarily executing Ukrainian prisoners of war (POW) in Russia's Kursk Oblast, Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported on Nov. 20.

Russian soldiers murdered civilian in Donetsk Oblast village, prosecutors say

Pictures shared on the prosecutor's office's Telegram channel show a woman in a pink jacket walking on the outskirts of the village, with a subsequent picture showing her lying on the ground with her face in the mud.

Ukraine charges Russian soldier exposed by Kyiv Independent for rape

The Kyiv Independent in June identified Mykola Senenko as raping a woman in Kherson Oblast in March 2022.

Chechnya drone strike: Kadyrov claims to use Ukrainian POWs as human shields

Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov on Oct. 29 apparently boasted about using Ukrainian prisoners as human shields, claiming there were casualties among the captives after a drone strike on Chechnya.

Russian soldiers suspected of murdering 2, injuring 1 civilian in embattled Selydove

Russian soldiers in the Donetsk Oblast town of Selydove have likely opened fire against civilians on several occasions, killing at least two women and injuring one person, the regional prosecutor's office said on Oct. 27.

Finishing off the defenseless: How the Russians execute Ukrainian soldiers

Warning: This article contains graphic photos and descriptions of graphic scenes. A decomposed human hand with the remains of flesh, bleak and brown save for one splash of color — two thin blue-yellow rubber bracelets. The colors of the Ukrainian national flag. The hand was from a body of the hundreds

At least 102 Ukrainian POWs executed by Russia, ombudsman says

According to Dmytro Lubinets, the actual number of such cases is likely much higher since it is difficult to document Russian war crimes without supporting evidence such as videos of the executions.

Watch our new investigative documentary: 'Shadows Across the River'

Opinion: Trading territories means trading people

The following opinion piece accompanies the Kyiv Independent's War Crimes Investigations Unit's newly released documentary, "Shadows Across the River." Watch the documentary  by clicking here. “Let Russia retain control over occupied Ukrainian territories to finally freeze this war!” This refrain, repeated in media and political discourse worldwide, has become a

Prosecutors open investigation into alleged killing of 9 POWs by Russians in Kursk Oblast

"The killing of prisoners of war is a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions and an international crime. A criminal case has been opened over the violation of the laws and customs of war combined with premeditated murder," Kostin posted on X.

Russian troops reportedly shoot 9 Ukrainian POWs in Kursk Oblast

The shootings are said to have occurred on Oct. 10, Deepstate reported, citing sources in Ukraine's First Tank Brigade.

Journalist Roshchyna, who died in Russian captivity, held in 'one of the most brutal detention centers,' NGO says

Viktoria Roshchyna, a Ukrainian journalist who died in Russian captivity, was held in Russian detention centers where torture is used against the prisoners, the Media Initiative for Human Rights said on Oct. 11.

Opinion: Putin’s war? The case for Russia’s collective responsibility in Ukraine

Referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine simply as “Putin’s war” is quite common, but this framing is misleading. It oversimplifies the invasion, affects allies’ perceptions, and fuels Russian propaganda. By focusing solely on the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, blame for this brutal aggression is shifted away

‘Human safari’ – Kherson civilians hunted down by Russian drones

Editor’s note: Some of the Kherson locals interviewed for this story refused to be identified by last name due to fear for their safety. KHERSON – On a warm September evening, Olha Chernyshova’s day took a grim turn when she was returning home from work in downtown Kherson. Stepping

Russian forces execute 16 Ukrainian POWs near Pokrovsk, prosecutors say

Russian forces appear to have shot 16 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in Donetsk Oblast, the largest recorded case of mass execution of surrendered soldiers on the battlefield, Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office said on Oct. 1.

Ukraine names pro-Russian collaborators suspected of forcibly deporting Ukrainian children

One suspect was identified by the Kyiv Independent's War Crimes Investigations Unit in the documentary "Uprooted."

Is 'Russians at War' propaganda? We asked 7 people in film who saw it

The documentary “Russians at War” has sparked controversy since its debut on the festival circuit, with many accusing it of whitewashing Russian soldiers and their crimes in Ukraine. Canadian-Russian director Anastasia Trofimova has defended the film, calling it “anti-war.” After facing backlash, the Toronto International Film Festival pulled screenings of

Russia has committed 137,000 war crimes in Ukraine, Zelensky says

Russia has committed 137,000 war crimes in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the United for Justice conference in Kyiv on Sept. 11.

Funders of ‘Russians at War’ documentary dodge questions about accountability

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect Canadian broadcaster TVO's statement. TVO has withdrawn support from the documentary "Russians at War" following protests from the Ukranian community. Hot Docs contacted the Kyiv Independent on Sept. 11 to clarify that the 85,000 Canadian dollars was the total sum

Russian POW phone call restrictions spotlight Ukraine, Russia’s treatment of prisoners

Last week, Ukraine’s Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets announced that Russian prisoners of war (POWs) would no longer be able to make phone calls to relatives. They are still allowed to communicate through letters, meeting Geneva Convention requirements, he noted. The decision came after recent increases in reports of violations of

Opinion: How Russian propaganda reached Venice’s red carpet

A film about Russian soldiers taking part in the war against Ukraine was recently presented at the Venice Film Festival. The film portrays ordinary people who care about their families, joke, and have doubts, fears, and dreams. Some fight to avenge a fallen comrade, some just to make money, while

Ukraine identifies Russian general suspected of ordering strike on Kyiv children's hospital

Ukrainian authorities on Sept. 10 announced war crime charges in absentia against Russian Lieutenant General Sergey Kobylash over a deadly strike against the Ohkmadyt children's hospital in Kyiv.

Ahead of Toronto festival premiere, filmmaker defends documentary on Russian soldiers, says journalists 'follow the story where it goes'

Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova has admitted to entering Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories without official permits while making her controversial documentary "Russians at War."

Documentary ‘humanizing’ Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine sparks outrage at Venice, Toronto film festivals

Controversy over the film only grew louder with the revelation by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) that the film is set to be screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, and has previously received Canadian government funding.

Ombudsman appeals to UN, Red Cross over alleged execution of Ukrainian POW by Russia seen on video

The footage purportedly shows a Russian soldier who asks a Ukrainian soldier if he wants to "say the last word, pray before dying," and then shoots him with a rifle three times.

Russian troops apparently kill surrendering Ukrainian soldiers near Pokrovsk, CNN reports

Russian forces seem to have summarily executed a group of surrendering Ukrainian soldiers near Pokrovsk in late August, CNN reported on Sept. 6, publishing an exclusive video.

Russian forces damaging ancient burial mounds in Ukraine, research suggests

Russian forces have damaged several ancient burial mounds on the front line in southern Ukraine, potentially violating the Hague and Geneva Conventions, according to research from the Ukraine Conflict Observatory published on Sept. 4.

As Ukrainian children return to school, Russia launches missiles at educational facilities

As the new school year began in Ukraine, Russia intensified its attacks on the country’s educational facilities, further disrupting a study process already severely impacted by the full-scale war and sowing anxiety among students and their families. In just three days, Russian strikes damaged at least 12 educational institutions,

‘She was the culture’: Kharkiv mourns 18-year-old artist killed in Russian attack

At the opening of an art exhibition in Kharkiv’s Yermoliv Center on Aug. 29, 18-year-old artist Veronika Kozhushko, also known as Nika, could be seen jumping on a small trampoline before she landed on her feet with a breathless smile. The following day, Russia killed her. Russia launched glide

Opinion: Mongolia should arrest Putin or face consequences

Indicted war criminal Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Mongolia today. As a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which issued an arrest warrant for Putin back in March 2023 for the deportation and transfer of children from Ukraine, Mongolia is legally obligated to arrest him. “There are no

Ukraine announces charges in absentia of 2 pro-Russian collaborators over Olenivka POW killings

The Prosecutor General's Office said the investigation involved statements from 20 victims and 30 eyewitnesses, as well as forensic evidence of those killed. The two unnamed Russian commanders have been charged in absentia with violating the laws of war.

Land on fire: Russia's offensive in Donetsk Oblast brings destruction to new towns (Photos)

Since February, Russian forces have steadily advanced across multiple sectors of the front in Donetsk Oblast. They have occupied villages previously liberated by Ukraine, wiped out entire towns, and introduced new threats to the region's overall defense. Alongside Chasiv Yar, Niu York, and other towns, Russia aims to capture Toretsk,