Ukraine shows foreign delegations camp where captured occupiers are held
Representatives from 14 countries visited the "West-1" prisoner-of-war camp, where foreign citizens are being held after being drawn into the war against Ukraine by russia, the aggressor nation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported this on Friday, June 12.
The visit to the camp for representatives of the diplomatic corps took place on June 10–11. It was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in cooperation with the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. On site, the foreign delegates observed the conditions of detention for foreigners whom russia has drawn into the war against Ukraine.
"The purpose of the visit was to confirm Ukraine’s full and strict compliance with the norms of international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the treatment of prisoners of war. Participants had the opportunity to personally inspect the conditions of detention, speak with the prisoners, and assess the facility’s compliance with the requirements of the Third Geneva Convention,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted.
According to the Coordination Headquarters, at least 3,080 foreigners from 135 countries and unrecognized territories are fighting or have fought on the side of the russian federation against Ukraine, and their numbers are rapidly growing. In 2022, there were 34, while in 2025, the number reached nearly 14,000. Fighters are recruited or forced to participate in the aggression without warning or under pressure, particularly due to expired visas, lack of legal status, or violations of immigration laws.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, on October 17, the "Center-5" camp for russian prisoners of war began operating in Ukraine, meeting all requirements of international humanitarian law.