During a meeting of the U.N. Human Rights Council on March 3, Ukraine's Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported that as of the end of 2025, Russia has 'deliberately and brutally' executed 337 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs). He highlighted that this mistreatment amounts to a severe violation of international humanitarian law, specifically the 1949 Geneva Conventions. Lubinets stressed the need for accountability and urged the international community to take serious action against these atrocities.

Lubinets expressed grave concerns over the treatment of Ukrainian POWs, citing U.N. data indicating that a shocking 95% of those held in captivity endure systematic torture. He accused Russia of institutionalizing torture as part of its state policy, wielding it as a strategic weapon against Ukraine. This alarming allegation reflects a broader pattern of abuse which has emerged since the onset of the conflict, revealing the extent to which humanitarian laws are disregarded in warfare.

The ombudsman also emphasized the moral responsibility of the global community, insisting that it cannot remain passive in the face of such violations. He advocated for increased diplomatic pressure on Russia to ensure comprehensive documentation of these crimes and to facilitate the prosecution of those accountable. These remarks underscore the critical nature of international cooperation in addressing human rights violations amidst ongoing hostilities.