Letter - May 2025

[your address]

Dear [name of your MP]

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the continued captivity and inhumane treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war, captured during the defence of Mariupol in May 2022. 

These individuals, including the defenders of the Azovstal steelworks, acted with extraordinary courage under siege conditions for nearly three months. Their resistance became a powerful symbol of the Ukrainian people’s determination to defend their sovereignty and democratic values.

When these 2,449 service members ultimately surrendered, they did so under internationally brokered assurances of humane treatment, in accordance with the Geneva Convention. They entered captivity in the belief that the rules of war would be respected and that they would be treated with dignity.

Nearly three years on, the majority of these individuals remain in captivity.  

Under international law, prisoners of war are entitled to basic protections, including medical care, regular communication with their loved ones, and access by independent humanitarian organisations. Russia has systematically denied these rights.

The international community must respond with urgency and resolve. At a minimum, Russia must be pressed to:

• Grant unhindered access to prisoners to the International Committee of the Red Cross and other neutral observers.
• Provide adequate medical care to all wounded and sick prisoners.
• Repatriate those who are seriously ill, through independent medical commissions.
• Release all unlawfully detained civilians.
• End its campaign of torture, enforced disappearance, and incommunicado detention.

We must also pursue accountability. As Amnesty International has stated, “Without justice, the suffering of Ukrainian POWs, civilians, and their families will only deepen.” The UK must be a leading voice in demanding that justice - clearly, consistently, and loudly.

I urge you, as my elected representative, to raise this matter in Parliament, to support all efforts to hold the Russian Federation accountable, and to ensure the UK government is doing everything in its power to advocate for the humane treatment and release of these prisoners.

Thank you for your attention on this deeply important issue.

Yours sincerely,

[your name]