Ukraine has transferred a Russian prisoner of war to Lithuania for potential prosecution over alleged war crimes, marking the first such action since Russia’s full-scale invasion began. This move is seen as a significant shift in Ukraine’s approach to dealing with Russian soldiers. The transfer comes as part of a broader international effort to hold individuals accountable for atrocities committed during the conflict.
The decision to hand over the prisoner to Lithuania is notable, as it represents a rare instance of Ukraine allowing a POW to be tried in a foreign judicial system. While Ukraine retains the authority to prosecute Russian soldiers within its own legal framework, this gesture may signal a willingness to engage with international justice mechanisms.