Fact Check: Ukrainian authorities report that Russian troops have executed at least 124 prisoners of war on the battlefield since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Fact Check: "Ukrainian authorities report that Russian troops have executed at least 124 prisoners of war on the battlefield since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022."

What We Know

Ukrainian authorities have indeed reported that Russian troops executed at least 124 prisoners of war (POWs) on the battlefield since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. This figure was confirmed by the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine, which stated that reports of such executions have been increasing, alongside other war crimes committed against Ukrainian soldiers (Kyiv Independent). Additionally, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission has documented an "alarming rise" in reported executions of captured Ukrainian soldiers, further corroborating the claims made by Ukrainian officials (Reuters).

Analysis

The claim regarding the execution of 124 POWs is supported by multiple credible sources. The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office is a reliable authority on matters of war crimes, as it is directly involved in investigating and prosecuting such cases. The report from the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission also adds weight to the assertion, as it reflects an independent assessment of the situation on the ground (UN report).

Moreover, the ongoing trial of Dmitriy Kurashov, a Russian soldier accused of executing a Ukrainian POW, highlights the seriousness with which Ukraine is addressing these allegations. This trial is significant as it is the first of its kind in Ukraine, indicating a structured approach to prosecuting war crimes (BBC). The evidence collected by Ukrainian authorities, which includes testimonies and investigative reports, suggests a systematic pattern of executions that aligns with the reported figure of 124 (Kyiv Independent).

However, it is essential to consider potential biases in reporting. While Ukrainian sources are likely to emphasize the severity of Russian actions, independent reports from organizations like the UN provide a more balanced view, confirming the existence of these war crimes without being directly affiliated with either party in the conflict.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that Ukrainian authorities report at least 124 executions of prisoners of war by Russian troops since the full-scale invasion began is substantiated by credible sources, including official Ukrainian statements and independent UN reports. The evidence indicates a troubling pattern of war crimes, reinforcing the validity of the claim.

Sources

1. Ukraine war crime trial: A Russian soldier takes the stand for an execution
2. UN body reports 'alarming rise' in Russian execution of captured Ukrainian soldiers
3. War crimes in the Russian invasion of Ukraine
4. Ukrainian POWs die in Russian prisons; autopsies reveal torture
5. Russia has executed at least 124 Ukrainian POWs on battlefield
6. Russian troops suspected of executing Ukrainian POWs in Kursk Oblast
7. Ukraine war crime trial: A Russian soldier takes the stand
8. UN report details summary executions of civilians by Russian troops in northern Ukraine