"Russia's Expanding Prison System: Thousands of Ukrainian Civilians Held, More Facilities Planned"

Thousands of Ukrainian civilians are being held in Russian prisons and detention centers, where they endure routine torture, psychological abuse, and slave labor. Russia plans to build 25 new prison colonies and six detention centers in occupied Ukraine by 2026. Many civilians are detained for minor transgressions or simply being in occupied regions, and most are held without charge. The prisoners serve as bargaining chips in exchanges for Russian soldiers, and there is evidence of civilians being used as human shields. The extent of Russia's prison network and plans for expansion violate the Geneva Conventions.