Red Cross reports loss of access to Russian-held prisoners of war since 2024
The International Committee of the Red Cross says it has not been able to visit prisoners of war in Russia since 2024, though it continues visits in Ukraine.
On September 23, the International Committee of the Red Cross announced that it has not conducted a visit to prisoners of war held in Russia since 2024, indicating a loss of full access to those detainees. Since the war started in February 2022, the ICRC has inspected over 9,800 prisoners of war, primarily in Ukraine, and earlier in the conflict it also visited Russian sites. The organization highlighted that such visits are a core element of its mandate under the Geneva Conventions, allowing it to assess detention conditions, provide basic supplies, and relay information to families.
It noted that families remain anxious for news about the status of their loved ones. The ICRC is now working to regain unrestricted entry to Russian facilities to continue its humanitarian oversight.
Why it matters
Restricted Red Cross access hampers monitoring of detainee welfare and families' right to information in the Russia-Ukraine war.
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