Russia's Withdrawal from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture: Implications and Reactions

On August 23, 2025, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree proposing the country's withdrawal from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. This resolution calls for President Vladimir Putin to submit the withdrawal proposal to the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, for approval. The convention, ratified by Russia in 1998, established a monitoring system allowing the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) to conduct inspections of detention facilities to prevent abuse.

Russia moves to withdraw from European Convention for Prevention of Torture — Novaya Gazeta EuropeRussia withdraws from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture. The request was submitted to Putin – CotidianulRussia plans to withdraw from European Convention for Prevention of TortureRussia to formally withdraw from European convention against tortureStraight Arrow NewsEuronewsMoscow Moves to Quit European Convention Against TortureRussia Pulls Out of Anti-Torture Pact With Europe as Putin Ignores Human RightsRussia's withdrawal from torture convention reveals lawlessness – FM Sybiha

Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Russia's decision, labeling it "an admission of guilt" regarding its systematic practice of torture. The ministry emphasized that this move reflects Russia's ongoing efforts to evade accountability for gross human rights violations, stating, "Today’s Russia is a territory of lawlessness and degradation of human dignity." Ukrainian officials have consistently highlighted that Russia has obstructed independent monitoring, including denying access to the International Committee of the Red Cross for prisoners of war (POWs).

Kyiv IndependentRussia moves to withdraw from anti-torture conventionUkraine’s MFA: Russia consistently “shutting down” any channels of international oversight over tortureStraight Arrow NewsUnited24 MediaEuronewsRussia's withdrawal from torture convention reveals lawlessness – FM SybihaMINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS: Russia's intention to withdraw from the Convention against Torture is a de facto confession of crimes

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reiterated that the withdrawal signifies a continuation of Russia's history of repression, including torture and executions of political prisoners and Ukrainian POWs. He stated, "This step is a continuation of many Russian crimes, including widespread torture, executions, and inhumane treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war."

Ukraine’s MFA: Russia consistently “shutting down” any channels of international oversight over torture

The decision to withdraw comes amid widespread criticism of Russia's deteriorating human rights record, particularly following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Reports from international organizations, including the United Nations, have documented systematic torture of Ukrainian POWs and other detainees. The European Court of Human Rights has also ruled that Russia is responsible for violations of international law, including torture.

Euronews

The CPT has previously criticized Russia for its lack of cooperation and refusal to allow inspections, raising concerns about the treatment of detainees, including the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in prison. Human rights organizations have described this withdrawal as a symbolic step that further isolates Russia from international human rights standards.

Russia moves to withdraw from European Convention for Prevention of Torture — Novaya Gazeta Europe

Russia's withdrawal from the convention effectively cuts one of its last formal ties to Europe's human rights framework. Critics argue that this move will exacerbate the already dire human rights situation in the country, as it eliminates oversight mechanisms designed to protect individuals deprived of liberty. The Russian government has also withdrawn from other international human rights treaties, signaling a broader trend of isolation from European standards.

Russia Pulls Out of Anti-Torture Pact With Europe as Putin Ignores Human Rights

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has called for the international community to act decisively in holding Russia accountable for its actions. The ministry's statement emphasized the need for swift use of international accountability mechanisms, asserting that "a country that employs torture as an integral element of its policy cannot be a party to a Convention meant to unite rule-of-law states."

Russia moves to withdraw from anti-torture convention

• “Today’s Russia is a territory of lawlessness and degradation of human dignity.” — Andrii Sybiha, Foreign Minister of Ukraine

Ukraine’s MFA: Russia consistently “shutting down” any channels of international oversight over torture

• “an admission of guilt — acknowledgment of Russia’s systemic practice of torture and its attempt to avoid accountability for gross violations of human rights.” — Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Straight Arrow News

Russia's proposed withdrawal from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture marks a significant step in its ongoing retreat from international human rights commitments. The move has drawn sharp condemnation from Ukraine and human rights advocates, who view it as a further indication of Russia's disregard for human dignity and the rule of law. The implications of this decision are likely to resonate within the international community, prompting calls for accountability and oversight in the face of escalating human rights abuses.

Ukraine’s MFA: Russia consistently “shutting down” any channels of international oversight over torture