A prison inspector in the Russian Federation has been charged with mistreating prisoners
This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General.
Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have identified a member of the Russian prison service who is suspected of mistreating Ukrainian prisoners of war.
The individual in question is an inspector at “Penal Colony No. 1 of the Federal Penitentiary Service Directorate for the Tula Region”. On 17 March 2026, he was served with a notice of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
According to the investigation, in 2022–2023 he systematically used violence against Ukrainian servicemen held in captivity.
The prosecution emphasises that these were not isolated incidents, but regular acts. According to the investigation, the prisoners were beaten with fists, feet and a “PR-73” rubber truncheon, particularly on sensitive parts of the body.
In addition to physical violence, according to law enforcement officials, Ukrainian prisoners of war were humiliated and subjected to psychological pressure due to their service and participation in the defence of Ukraine.
The Office of the Prosecutor General emphasised that such actions are expressly prohibited under international humanitarian law. Prisoners of war are entitled to humane treatment, and any violence or humiliation against them constitutes a war crime.
The investigation is currently continuing to identify other individuals who may be involved in the abuse of Ukrainian defenders.
Under the charge, the suspect faces between 8 and 12 years’ imprisonment.
The pre-trial investigation into the case is being conducted by investigators from the Security Service of Ukraine.
The statement also highlighted other recent allegations in cases involving the cruel treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war. In March 2026, according to the prosecutor’s office, an employee of a Russian penal colony was identified as being involved in the mistreatment of Ukrainian prisoners at Facility No. 10 of the Federal Penitentiary Service of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Mordovia.
In addition, an inspector at “Detention Centre No. 1” of the Federal Penitentiary Service of the Russian Federation in the Kursk Region was identified; on 27 February 2026, he was also notified of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. According to the investigation, following the start of the full-scale invasion, he participated in the systematic abuse of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
Separately, the Office of the Prosecutor General noted that in December 2025, a paramedic from the same prison, known as “Doctor Evil”, was notified of suspicion under the same article.
At the same time, the Office separately noted that, in accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven in accordance with the law and established by a court conviction.
