Russia accuses Ukrainian intelligence of operating secret torture prisons

Rodion Miroshnik, a special envoy for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has accused Ukrainian intelligence services of operating a network of dozens of secret prisons near the front lines. Speaking at an informal meeting of UN Security Council members, Miroshnik claimed these facilities are used for the torture and abuse of prisoners.

He alleged that the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine (GUR), the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), and other security agencies are responsible for these sites, which include basements, dungeons, and outdoor cages. Miroshnik asserted that while human rights activists are aware of these locations, they are officially denied access to them.

Furthermore, Miroshnik claimed that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is aware of these secret prisons through mentions in recent reports regarding violence and torture in the conflict, but argued that this knowledge has not influenced the organization's official stance or that of Kyiv's supporters.