Torture in Russian Captivity
Ukrainian Soldiers Report on War Crimes
Three Ukrainian soldiers recount torture, hunger, and violence in Russian captivity. Their experiences document possible violations of the Geneva Conventions and reveal the long-term consequences of Russian war crimes.
What is it like for Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russian captivity? The interview series “In Russian Captivity” documents accounts of torture, hunger, violence, and human rights violations in Russian detention. The personal stories of Andrii Viktorovych Naimann, Mykyta Semeniv Ruslanovych, and Oleksandr Harnaha Vyacheslavovych illustrate the consequences of disregarding the Geneva Conventions for Ukrainian prisoners of war. Their experiences provide insight into the conditions of captivity and show how imprisonment continues to shape their lives today.
Andrii Viktorovych Naimann: 20 Months in Russian Captivity
Andrii Viktorovych Naimann served as a military doctor and captain in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He was among the defenders of Mariupol and was taken prisoner by Russian forces following the fall of the Azovstal steel plant in 2022. In our interviews, he describes how the hope of a brief internment quickly gave way to a reality of violence, hunger, and complete dependency. Among other locations, he was held in the penal colony of Olenivka, where prisoners received only minimal care and fundamental principles of international humanitarian law were disregarded.
After a total of 20 months in captivity, Naimann was released. Although he was entitled to leave military service afterward, he consciously chose not to do so. Instead, he returned to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, explaining that he could not abandon his country during wartime. His story exemplifies the resilience of many Ukrainian soldiers who continue to shoulder responsibility despite enduring severe personal hardship.
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Mykyta Semeniv Ruslanovych: Interrogations, Violence, and Their Consequences
Mykyta Semeniv Ruslanovych also defended Mariupol and Azovstal in 2022. He spent nearly two years in Russian captivity, first in the notorious prison complex in Taganrog and later in Kizel. In the interviews, the now 23-year-old describes systematic interrogations, physical violence, and constant pressure to make incriminating statements against himself or fellow prisoners. Remaining silent was not an option; prisoners were continuously forced to provide answers.
Ruslanovych also recalls a daily routine marked by strict control. Conversations among prisoners were largely forbidden, and even minor infractions were punished. At the same time, solidarity among fellow prisoners and the knowledge that people back home had not forgotten them became vital sources of psychological strength. Following his release, he began medical and psychological rehabilitation. Despite his experiences, he intends to remain in military service for as long as the war continues.
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Oleksandr Harnaha Vyacheslavovych: Torture as Part of Daily Life
Oleksandr Harnaha Vyacheslavovych comes from the Luhansk region and joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces at the end of 2021 because the war was a deeply personal matter for him. After serving in Rubizhne, Sievierodonetsk, and other frontline areas, he took part in the defense of Avdiivka in early 2024. There, on 16 February 2024, he was captured by Russian forces following intense urban combat. His comrades had been killed, and he eventually found himself surrounded by Russian troops.
In the KAS interview series, Harnaha describes captivity marked by violence, humiliation, and torture. Even minor mistakes could result in beatings, while prolonged punishment exercises and the use of electric shocks were reportedly commonplace. He recounts a detention system in which speaking Ukrainian or requesting medical assistance could itself lead to punishment. In July 2025, he was released as part of a prisoner exchange. Today, he speaks publicly about his experiences and the challenges of returning to civilian life.
