Kiev, 24 March 2023 (dpa/MIA) – The United Nations expressed deep concern on Friday at reports of the summary execution of dozens of prisoners of war by both sides in the war in Ukraine.

The executions were often carried out immediately after the prisoners were taken on the battlefield, Matilda Bogner, head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, told a press conference in Kiev.

On the Russian side, these crimes were often perpetrated by the Wagner Group of mercenaries. Of the 15 executions of Ukrainian troops, 11 are attributed to this group.

She also expressed concern at executions perpetrated by Ukrainian forces, where five investigations had uncovered 22 victims of summary execution. No prosecutions had yet followed, Bogner said.

The UN interviewed more than 400 people on both sides of the conflict who were being, or had been, held prisoner. While Ukraine had cooperated in granting access to prisoners, Russia had not done so, Bogner said.

The majority of the 200 freed Ukrainians reported abuse, including beating, electrocution, being shot or stabbed and threatened with execution by Russian troops or intelligence officers.

Conditions for prisoners held by the Russians were reported to be extremely poor, with at least five prisoners dying as a result of inadequate medical treatment, the UN said. Five prisoners had also died as a result of abuse.

More than half of the 200 Russian prisoners reported abuse and torture by their Ukrainian captors. Prisoners were beaten, shot in the legs or stabbed in their limbs, connected to electricity, subjected to mock executions and threatened with sexual violence or death, Bogner said.