The United Nations has recognized Ukrainian sailors in Russia as prisoners of war. They should be treated differently than criminal offenders – the organization is confident. This was stated in the 25th report of the UNHCR on the situation of human rights in Ukraine.
The UN noted that prisoners of war, in particular, should be treated humanely, protected from acts of violence or intimidation and, if necessary, provided with medical assistance.
“Crew members of Ukrainian ships detained on November 25, 2018, by the Russian Federation authorities in the Kerch Strait may be considered as prisoners of war and protected under the Third Geneva Convention,” the report said.
Russia refused to recognize Ukrainian sailors as prisoners of war on the grounds that Russia and Ukraine are not in a state of armed conflict or war.
Recall that Russian troops seized three Ukrainian warships in neutral waters of the Black Sea on November 25. The crew of two boats and a tug, 24 people, was taken to Simferopol, where the Russian-controlled court arrested all Ukrainians. The next day, seamen were transported to Moscow, where they are now.
