Ukraine Commission of Inquiry of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva said the abuse was "horrific", systematic and widespread. It was said that prisoners of war were regularly severely beaten and tortured with electric shocks, sometimes to the genitals.
Prisoners would also suffer from hunger and therefore eat worms, soap, paper and dog food in their distress. According to the commission, torture by Russian military personnel and prison officials constitutes war crimes. In January 2024, according to Ukrainian information, more than 8,000 Ukrainians - civilians and soldiers - were still in Russian captivity.