The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission has raised concerns over a significant rise in the reported executions of Ukrainian soldiers captured by Russian forces in recent months. In a statement released on Monday, the mission disclosed that it had recorded 79 executions across 24 separate incidents since late August 2023.

According to the mission, multiple witness accounts indicate that Ukrainian soldiers who had surrendered or were in the custody of Russian troops were shot dead on the spot. Reports also describe the killings of unarmed and wounded Ukrainian soldiers, acts that are considered violations of international humanitarian law and classified as war crimes.

"Many Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered or were in physical custody of the Russian armed forces were shot dead on the spot," the mission stated.

Reacting to the report, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for urgent international intervention, condemning the Russian military’s actions.

"Russia's horrific executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war demonstrate that Ukraine confronts true beasts," Sybiha wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "We need new and effective international legal tools, and concrete steps to hold the perpetrators accountable."

While the UN mission primarily focused on Russian atrocities, it also reported an execution of a wounded and incapacitated Russian soldier by Ukrainian forces in 2024, though no further details were provided.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s prosecutor's office has launched investigations into multiple cases of executed Ukrainian military personnel, reinforcing calls for global accountability and justice.

As the war continues, international observers and human rights organizations are demanding stronger measures to protect prisoners of war and ensure justice for those affected by these alleged war crimes.