### Title: Alarming Increase in Executions of Ukrainian POWs by Russian Forces

### Summary: The Ukrainian prosecution service has reported a steep increase in the execution of Ukrainian POWs by Russian forces amid ongoing investigations into various war crimes, including video evidence and witness testimonies of grisly killings. Human rights organizations have called for accountability as this violence appears to be part of a broader policy of impunity.

In a chilling report, the Ukrainian prosecution service has documented a significant uptick in the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) by Russian forces. Among the most emblematic cases is that of Oleksandr Matsievsky, a Ukrainian sniper whose execution was captured on video, showcasing the grim reality faced by many captured soldiers. The footage shows Matsievsky smoking his last cigarette next to a grave he was forced to dig, proclaiming "Glory to Ukraine!" before being shot by his captors.

This execution is not an isolated incident. Investigations have revealed that at least 147 Ukrainian POWs have been executed by Russian forces since the escalation of conflict in 2022, with 127 of those killed in the current year alone. Incidents continue to emerge, including the reported execution of nine Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region in October, identified through harrowing photos witnessed by the families of the victims.

Moreover, gruesome accounts have surfaced, with reports of beheadings and instances where soldiers were killed in cold blood after surrendering. While some of these executions have been recorded by the Russian forces themselves, others have been corroborated by Ukrainian drones monitoring the battlefields. BBC Verify has confirmed certain killings, providing a clearer understanding of the widespread nature of these atrocities.

Yuri Belousov, the head of the War Department at the Ukrainian Prosecutor-General's Office, characterizes these executions as systemic, indicating an alarming trend that has persisted since late last year. He notes that there is visible evidence of directives leading to such actions against Ukrainian soldiers. This contrasts sharply with international humanitarian law, which clearly protects POWs, deeming their execution a war crime.

Despite assurances from Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukrainian POWs are treated according to international law, internal investigations into alleged war crimes by Russian troops have yet to surface. Experts from organizations like Human Rights Watch have voiced concerns over a culture of impunity within Russian military ranks, highlighting the need for accountability from high command down to individual units.

While there are fewer reported allegations of executions of Russian POWs, the Ukrainian prosecution service treats these claims with the seriousness they warrant and is currently investigating them. The wider implication of these brutal acts has led some Ukrainian soldiers to choose death over the prospect of capture, fearing torture at the hands of Russian forces.

As the war rages on, families of the missing, like that of drone operator Ruslan Holubenko, continue to hold onto hope against the harrowing backdrop of reported executions and violence, demonstrating the deeply personal toll of this ongoing conflict.