Ukraine/ Russian Federation: Respect the rights of prisoner of war

Artem Kolomiiets, a combat medic and prisoner of war (POW), was captured in May 2022 during the siege of Mariupol. His health is in critical condition due to torture, mistreatment, and lack of proper medical care. He is being held incommunicado. As a gravely ill POW, he must be urgently repatriated to Ukraine or transferred to a neutral country for medical treatment.

Here’s what you can do:

Write to the Human Rights Commissioner in Russia urging the authorities to:

• Release Artem Kolomiiets on health grounds. 
• Ensure that, until his release, he is treated humanely, given proper medical care, and allowed to communicate with others.

Artem Kolomiiets: A combat medic and POW

Senior Sergeant Artem Kolomiiets is a Ukrainian combat medic from the 12th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine (“Azov”). He has been held in Russian captivity for over 1,000 days. Since he is kept incommunicado, his family relies on accounts from former POWs to learn about his condition. The last update they received was in December 2024.

Artem has always been compassionate. As a child, he cared for wounded stray animals, and his family believed he would become a veterinarian. However, he dreamed of being a doctor to help people. He fulfilled that dream in the army, where he dedicated himself to saving lives.

The siege of Mariupol and Azovstal

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Mariupol was quickly surrounded. The city’s defense lasted 86 days—82 of which it was completely encircled. As Russian forces advanced and the city was destroyed by relentless attacks, Ukrainian defenders and civilians took shelter in the Azovstal steel plant.

As a combat medic, Artem worked tirelessly under extreme conditions, treating the wounded and saving lives, including civilians. His comrades recall his dedication, as he risked his own life to care for others.

On May 20, 2022, after months of brutal fighting, Ukrainian forces received an order to surrender to save their lives. At least 177 civilians (including 47 children) and over 1,900 Ukrainian defenders left Azovstal that day. However, many had already died due to the relentless shelling. Artem, wounded during the battle, was among those captured by Russian forces.

Captivity and violations of International law

Russia does not have official POW camps, violating international humanitarian law (IHL). Instead, Artem, like many Ukrainian POWs, has been moved between Russian penal colonies. At some point, he was held in Taganrog, and later, he was transferred to Perm, Russia. Former POWs report that Artem continued to provide medical aid while in captivity when conditions allowed.

However, in Perm, Ukrainian POWs face collective punishment for requesting medical care. Artem is now unable to help others or receive the treatment he urgently needs.

The Third Geneva Convention guarantees POWs basic rights, including humane treatment, medical care, adequate living conditions, and the right to communicate with their families. Gravely ill prisoners must be repatriated or sent to a neutral country. Yet, Artem’s family has never received letters from him, nor has he received theirs. His captivity violates multiple international laws, and his life remains in grave danger.

Please take action as soon as possible until October, 2025. The UA will be duly updated should there be the need for further action.