Russian soldier sentenced to life in prison for executing Ukrainian POWs

A Kyiv court has sentenced Russian serviceman Vladimir Ivanov to life in prison for executing two Ukrainian prisoners of war, according to Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko. Ivanov, who served with Russia’s 40th Separate Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet, was convicted of killing two unarmed Ukrainian soldiers after they surrendered — a violation of the laws and customs of war.

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred during fighting in Russia’s Kursk Oblast in January 2025. The two Ukrainian troops had laid down their weapons, raised their hands, and surrendered when Ivanov opened fire, killing them at the scene. The court found there was no military justification for using force against prisoners who posed no threat. In addition to a life sentence, Ivanov was ordered to pay 50 million hryvnias (about $1.3 million) in moral damages to the victims’ families. During closing arguments, he reportedly admitted guilt and asked the court for leniency.

Kravchenko said the case is part of Ukraine’s broader effort to document alleged Russian war crimes and hold perpetrators accountable. Ukrainian courts have issued multiple life sentences in similar cases in recent months. According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, at least 322 Ukrainian POWs had been executed by Russian forces as of October 6. The killing of prisoners of war is prohibited under the Geneva Conventions and constitutes a war crime under international law.

Zelensky admits lack of progress on territorial issues in talks with Russia

President Volodymyr Zelensky said the latest round of trilateral talks in Geneva on ending Russia’s war against Ukraine has yielded no progress on territorial questions. Speaking to reporters, Zelenskyy acknowledged that “no one sees any positive developments” on the issue of territory and said that reality must be recognized.

In comments earlier to Kyodo News, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine’s willingness to even discuss potential compromises with Russia should already be viewed as a significant concession by Kyiv. At the same time, he made clear that Ukraine does not plan to surrender any additional land as part of a settlement.

The remarks underscore the continued deadlock over one of the most sensitive aspects of the negotiations. While discussions are ongoing, territorial control remains a central sticking point between Kyiv and Moscow.

Ukraine will receive decommissioned equipment from 6 European thermal plants

Ukraine has secured agreements to receive decommissioned energy equipment from six European combined heat and power (CHP) plants and thermal power plants (TPPs), Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said following a meeting of the International Energy Agency. The arrangements were reached with partners from Latvia, Austria, Finland, Croatia, France, and Germany.

According to Shmyhal, at least six retired CHP and TPP facilities will be transferred to Ukraine. The equipment is expected to be shipped and installed quickly in order to reinforce damaged infrastructure. “The equipment will be transported and rapidly installed,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of restoring capacity.

The minister said the move will help bring key energy plants back online after repeated Russian strikes and ensure more stable heat supplies for Ukrainian households.