Ukraine showed diplomats a camp for foreign prisoners who fought for Russia
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, in cooperation with the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, organized a visit by representatives of foreign diplomatic missions to the “Zakhid-1” prisoner-of-war camp.
The event, which took place on June 10–11, was attended by representatives of 14 countries, including heads of diplomatic missions. The diplomats familiarized themselves with the conditions of detention for foreign citizens whom Russia has involved in the war against Ukraine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Ukraine’s openness to international monitoring differs significantly from Russia’s practice, which does not allow international observers access to Ukrainian prisoners of war and systematically violates the norms of international humanitarian law.
According to the Coordination Headquarters, at least 3,080 foreigners from 135 countries and unrecognized territories are fighting or have fought on Russia’s side against Ukraine. While there were only 34 such individuals in 2022, their number rose to nearly 14,000 by 2025. Russia’s plan for 2026 calls for the recruitment of over 18,500 foreign contract soldiers.
Ukraine has called on the international community to step up efforts to counter the recruitment of foreigners into the Russian army and to inform citizens about the risks of such “service.”
Even after the war ends, Ukraine will maintain strict restrictions on the entry of Russian citizens, tightening checks and authorization procedures. This was stated by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, who emphasized that Russia is considered an aggressor state.
After the war ends, Ukraine plans to introduce special restrictive entry procedures for Russian citizens. This was stated by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga during a press conference in Vinnytsia. According to him, this involves enhanced controls, inspections, and a permit system for visiting the country.
