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Russian General's Leaked Orders Reveal POW Torture, Executions

2/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Leaked communications from Russian Major General Roman Demurchiyev reveal torture and execution of prisoners of war (POWs).
The Schemes investigation shows Demurchiyev approved killing captured soldiers and sharing gruesome images.
He referred to POWs as "gifts" for Russian security forces.
A Kyiv court sentenced Russian soldier Vladimir Ivanov to life for executing two unarmed Ukrainian soldiers.
Ukraine's broader war-crimes effort includes at least 322 POW executions under investigation.

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Story summary

Leaked communications from Russian Major General Roman Demurchiyev reveal torture and execution of prisoners of war (POWs).
The Schemes investigation shows Demurchiyev approved killing captured soldiers and sharing gruesome images.
He referred to POWs as "gifts" for Russian security forces.
A Kyiv court sentenced Russian soldier Vladimir Ivanov to life for executing two unarmed Ukrainian soldiers.
Ukraine's broader war-crimes effort includes at least 322 POW executions under investigation.