Ukraine has released new figures concerning Ukrainian prisoners. Currently, Russia is holding approximately 7,000 military personnel and up to 20,000 civilians captive. Reports also indicate the return of 375 bodies showing signs of torture.
New data on prisoners held by Russia and returned has been announced in Ukraine / © Volodymyr Zelensky
As of May 2026, an estimated 7,000 Ukrainian service members are detained in Russian captivity. The situation concerning civilians remains even more uncertain. Estimates suggest that Russia is holding between 10,000 and 20,000 Ukrainian citizens.
This information was shared by Olena Kondratiuk, Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada, referencing a recent study.
“Currently, about 7,000 Ukrainian military personnel are held in Russian captivity; civilians – according to various data – range from 10,000 to 20,000. Throughout this period, slightly over 9,048 Ukrainians have been returned from captivity. Predominantly military personnel,” she stated.
Widespread Torture of Captives in Russia
Kondratiuk also emphasized that these are not isolated incidents but rather part of a widespread pattern of cruel treatment and torture.
“Over 95% of Ukrainian prisoners of war experience torture and cruel treatment in Russian captivity… This is state policy,” she said.
Kondratiuk specifically drew attention to the recent handover of bodies of the deceased:
“Recently, Russia returned 375 bodies to us from captivity, exhibiting signs of torture and lack of medical care,” Kondratiuk reported.
According to her, these figures, along with findings from specialized research, are forming a body of evidence regarding systematic violations of international humanitarian law and can be used for further legal actions and sanctions pressure.
This points to a significant issue of denial of medical assistance, torture, and breaches of fundamental prisoner welfare standards, which are being documented by international monitoring bodies.
It is recalled that previously, there were reports of a Ukrainian soldier who was tortured to death by Russian occupiers. This was Oleksandr Krokhmalyuk, the head of the medical service of “Azov.” He was taken prisoner during the withdrawal from “Azovstal.”
Forensic medical examination confirmed numerous rib fractures and blunt chest trauma in the deceased soldier.
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