Russian forces have allegedly executed Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in violation of international law, according to Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office. Ukrainian officials have opened a pre-trial investigation into the execution of five Ukrainian POWs by Russian forces in Petrivka, located south of Pokrovsk, on November 13.
The act violates the Geneva Convention on the treatment of POWs.
Reports suggest that such actions are increasingly widespread and may be enabled—or even implicitly sanctioned—by Russian field commanders and the broader military justice system. These acts have gone largely unpunished, raising serious concerns about systematic violations of international humanitarian law.
READ: Ukraine, NATO Meet In Brussels Amid Rising Tensions Over Russian Hypersonic Missile Test
In a separate development, the Russian State Duma is progressing toward amending its counterterrorism laws to allow the removal of the Taliban from Russia’s list of banned terrorist organizations.
On November 26, Russian deputies submitted a bill proposing changes to the law “On Countering Terrorism.” The amendments would create a framework for removing organizations from the banned list if they cease engaging in or supporting terrorism.
This legislative move aligns with the Kremlin’s repeated assertions of its intention to formally delist the Taliban, though Russian law currently lacks the mechanisms to do so.
READ: Global Warnings Of Escalation As Russia Deepens Ties With Iran-Backed Houthis Amid Ukraine Conflict
A Russian insider source suggested that an official decision on the Taliban’s status is unlikely before the end of 2024, despite the Duma’s efforts to expedite the process.
The Kremlin’s push to delist the Taliban reflects Russia’s evolving geopolitical interests in Afghanistan and its willingness to reframe relationships with groups previously designated as threats.
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