Russians burned "Glory to Russia" into body of freed Ukrainian POW: intelligence confirms photo is real

A photograph of the body of a Ukrainian soldier who had the words "Glory to Russia" burned into his skin while in captivity has been confirmed as genuine, Andrii Yusov, spokesperson for Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), has said. The defender in the photograph was brought back to Ukraine during an earlier prisoner exchange. 

Source: Yusov during the national joint 24/7 newscast

Quote: "Unfortunately, the photo is real. He wasn’t in this exchange, but one of the earlier ones. While examining him at a rehabilitation centre for soldiers, a doctor, overwhelmed by what he saw, took the photo and posted it online. This is evidence of what our defenders go through in captivity. The photo speaks for itself. And it is imperative that not only Ukrainians see it – they know very well what the Russians are – but the whole world."

Details: Yusov also emphasised that 90% of released prisoners who have been interviewed report violations of the requirements for detention conditions by Russia, ranging from lack of medical care to torture. He said Ukraine is documenting each case and identifying all those involved in these crimes. All such information is shared with international organisations.

Quote: "This is visually very clear – there is a stark difference in the condition in which Russian POWs return to Russia and the condition in which Ukrainian defenders come back. Violations of detention conditions, and breaches of the required standards for food and medical support, are widespread in Russian captivity. This is something that the International Committee of the Red Cross must address and the entire international community must act upon."

After being exchanged, a Ukrainian prisoner of war showed his body covered in multiple mutilations and a burned-in inscription that read ‘Glory to Russia.’ pic.twitter.com/c8BxoFvXnZ

— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 9, 2025

Background: On 9 June, Clash Report released a photo of the body of a freed Ukrainian soldier covered in numerous scars. The Russians had also burned the words "Glory to Russia" into his body.

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