The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has officially confirmed the authenticity of the photograph taken of a Ukrainian prisoner of war, whose body was burned and marked with the Soviet slogan “Glory to Russia
" This is an important and alarming testimony to the harsh realities faced by our defenders while being held captive by the enemy. In a statement, Andriy Yusov, a representative of the GUR, explained that the published photo is not accidental. It resulted from a spontaneous photograph taken by a doctor who, during the rehabilitation of one of the Ukrainian soldiers at a regional center, could not contain his emotions and captured the terrible condition of the soldier’s body. The image that appeared online was not taken during previous prisoner exchanges but relates to one of the earlier incidents of military detention by the Russians. "This is a real photo. It was taken by a doctor during the rehabilitation process at one of the regional centers involved in restoring our defenders. It is a grim testimony to what our soldiers endure in captivity. The photo speaks for itself. It is very important for the international community to see it, not just Ukrainians. The Russians are well known for their systemic violations of international detention standards, lack of necessary medical care, torture, and brutal treatment of prisoners," Yusov said. According to intelligence data, about 90% of released Ukrainian soldiers testify to the brutality of conditions maintained by Russian occupiers. This includes neglect of medical care, poor nutrition, physical abuse, and torture. Ukraine systematically documents each such case, gathers testimonies, and records those involved in these crimes. All relevant information is passed on to international organizations, aiding in holding the perpetrators accountable. "It is clear that the return of Ukrainian prisoners is not only a matter of personal fate but also a testimony to the cynical methods of the enemy’s defense. They are in a state of decomposition, while Ukrainian defenders return home stronger and more combat-ready. This reminds the world of the high cost of this war and the atrocities committed by the Russian army. In various cases, violations of detention conditions, inadequate nutrition, and lack of proper medical care are systemic practices that need to be stopped with the help of international institutions, including the ICRC and other global communities," emphasized Andriy Yusov. On June 9, a foreign publication, Clash Report, published a photograph that shocked the international audience. It depicted the body of a Ukrainian soldier with severe injuries, scars, and a clear sign of torture — a burned inscription reading "Glory to Russia." This further highlights the brutality and horror of the situation in Russian captivity, where Ukrainian defenders are forced to endure inhumane treatment and violations of human dignity. In conclusion, Ukrainian intelligence, diplomatic, and human rights organizations must resolutely defend the rights of their citizens and respond internationally to these heinous crimes. The global community should not only witness the horrific abuse but also intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice and halt violations in captivity. This is not merely a diplomatic issue but a humanitarian and security matter in the context of Russia’s large-scale war against Ukraine.