“Shadows of Conflict: Addressing Humanitarian Violations Against Ukrainian POWs and Civilians at the UN Security Council”

Ambassador Dorothy Shea
Deputy Representative to the United Nations
New York, New York
January 13, 2025

Statements at a UN Security Council Arria-formula Meeting on “Infringements of international humanitarian law against Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees”

AS DELIVERED

Thank you, Madam Chair. Additionally, I’d like to express my gratitude to Mr. Pablo de Greiff from the International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine and also acknowledge our other speakers: Valerii Horishnii, Nariman Dzhelyal, and Maksym Butkevych for recounting your own distressing experiences in Russian captivity and what you witnessed.

Madam Chair, as the briefers of today indicate, the abundance of independent and credible reports from international observers is astonishing in depicting the cruel treatment of Ukrainian civilian detainees and prisoners of war by Russia.

The Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, in its latest report, concluded that Russia’s employment of torture against detained Ukrainians has been “extensive and systematic,” constituting a “coordinated State policy.” The Commission determined that Russian officials have perpetrated the crime against humanity of torture in the context of their comprehensive invasion of Ukraine.

Proof of Russia’s offenses is accessible to us thanks to the vital reporting from the Commission of Inquiry, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism Experts Mission, and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, along with Ukrainian civil society organizations, various NGOs, and other external experts.

The evidence is overwhelming. Their reports chronicle Russia’s violations against detained Ukrainians, encompassing physical, psychological, and sexual torture. The United States possesses credible evidence that Russia systematically keeps detainees incommunicado, frequently without access to adequate food, sanitation, or medical assistance. We have credible evidence that detainees endure inhumane treatment and abuse for displaying any sign of national pride or for refusing to pledge allegiance to Russia.

The United States assesses that Russian forces persist in regularly torturing and executing Ukrainian POWs, and we have observed a rise in reports of Ukrainian POW executions over the past year. In just September and October, we estimate that Russian troops executed 40 Ukrainian prisoners of war along the front line in Ukraine and in Kursk Oblast. The executions include shooting surrendering Ukrainian forces at close range and the heinous acts of beheadings and dismemberments.

Madam Chair, I fear we risk becoming desensitized to these disclosures. For years we have received constant accounts of Russia’s appalling abuses and atrocities. We must not lose sight of how detestable and unacceptable they are.

As long as Russia pursues this path, the international community must refrain from “business as usual” with the Russian Federation. The United States will continue to support Ukraine, and to hold Russia and its officials accountable for their unlawful actions.

We commend the members of the Security Council who have strived to hold Russia accountable for its actions. Speaking out in this forum on behalf of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law illustrates global leadership and contributes to a safer world.

However, we have also heard some members of the Council make statements that provide Russia with political protection. Such remarks facilitate Russia’s violations and make it challenging to regard these members as genuine global leaders.

As Ukrainians endeavor to defend their nation and their families against the horrors of Russia’s crimes, suggesting that Ukrainians should “meet Russia half-way” or “take into account Russia’s legitimate security concerns” is ludicrous and incorrect. A victim should never be advised to meet their aggressor halfway.

There exists no equivalency in this conflict. Russia is the aggressor, while Ukraine is the victim.

Therefore, let us refrain from indulging in false equivalencies. The Russian Federation must promptly halt its war of choice and its mistreatment of prisoners of war and civilian detainees, including torture and extrajudicial killings. Russia must listen to – and comply with – our demands to allow international humanitarian organizations access to POWs and civilian detainees, in line with its obligations under the Geneva Conventions.

The United States denounces Russia’s horrific abuses against POWs and detained civilians, which strike at the core of the United Nation’s mission to protect individuals around the world from the blight of war. As members of the UN Security Council, we must insist on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

We must collaborate to bring Russia’s unlawful invasion to a close and aid Ukraine in its quest for a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace in accordance with UN Charter principles.

Let me emphasize that any peace must adhere to the principle of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” For peace to be sustainable, it must fully respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, as well as Ukraine’s sovereignty and political independence.

I thank you, Madam Chair.

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By United States Mission to the United Nations | 14 January, 2025 | Topics: Highlights, Remarks and Highlights