Statement of the MFA of Ukraine on the Fourth Anniversary of russia's Mass Killing of Ukrainian Prisoners of War in Olenivka

On 28 July, Ukraine honours the memory of the defenders of Ukraine, members of volunteer formations, and civilians who were executed, tortured, or died in captivity.

This day stands as a symbol of heroism and selfless devotion, of mourning and remembrance, and of unwavering determination in the struggle for freedom and justice.

Four years ago, on the night of 28–29 July 2022, the russian federation committed one of the most heinous war crimes against Ukrainian prisoners of war by carrying out the mass murder of Ukraine's defenders at the former Volnovakha Correctional Colony near the temporarily occupied settlement of Olenivka. Ukrainian service members, who, following their evacuation from the Azovstal steelworks, were entitled to protection under international humanitarian law, were deprived of the most fundamental right — the right to life.

The Olenivka atrocity was a deliberate, premeditated, and barbaric crime committed by the russian federation in violation of international humanitarian law, including the provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War of 12 August 1949. The mass killing of prisoners of war, torture, cruel treatment, and inhumane conditions of detention constitute grave breaches of international humanitarian law and war crimes for which those responsible must be held fully accountable.

Ukraine stresses that the Olenivka crime was not an isolated incident. It forms part of the russian federation's systematic policy of torture, inhumane treatment, extrajudicial executions, and physical and psychological abuse of Ukrainian prisoners of war and unlawfully detained civilians. This has been documented by international mechanisms and human rights organisations, which continue to record russia's widespread violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine calls on the international community to increase political, diplomatic, and sanctions pressure on the russian federation, to ensure the full use of all available international legal mechanisms to hold those responsible accountable, and to secure unimpeded access for international humanitarian organisations to all places where Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian hostages are being held.

Ukraine also calls upon the International Criminal Court, other international judicial institutions, and competent national authorities to continue investigating crimes related to the mass murder of Ukrainian prisoners of war in Olenivka and to ensure accountability not only for the direct perpetrators but also for those who ordered the crime or facilitated its concealment.

Ukraine encourages all peace-loving states that value human life, international law, and justice to join the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. Judgments against putin and his accomplices in The Hague will constitute just punishment for all crimes committed against Ukraine and the Ukrainian people during the unprovoked criminal war unleashed by the kremlin.

The return of all prisoners of war, unlawfully detained civilians, deported persons, and forcibly transferred citizens of Ukraine remains a key priority for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ukrainian authorities.

We insist that the aggressor state fully comply with its obligations under international law, ensure the humane treatment of all persons under its control, and ensure the International Committee of the Red Cross unimpeded access to them in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Ukraine will not cease its efforts until every one of its citizens is brought home and all those responsible for the crime of aggression, war crimes, and crimes against humanity are held accountable.

The world must remember the Ukrainian heroes who perished in Olenivka. Their memory compels Ukraine and the international community to take resolute action to restore justice, uphold international law, and prevent such crimes from ever happening again.

Eternal memory to those who perished. Honour and glory to the Heroes of Ukraine.