Russian prisoners of war in Ukraine are receiving improved living conditions—including unexpected provisions like condoms—thanks to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
This was reported by journalist Emma Antoniuk, host of the YouTube project "Nobody Will Watch This."
Unexpected Requests
Antoniuk detailed several Red Cross interventions that have relaxed detention conditions for Russian POWs.
Among the changes, a longstanding rule requiring prisoners to keep their heads down during roll call was abolished. This rule, commonly enforced in high-security detention centers, was reportedly lifted at the request of the ICRC.
But one of the more surprising provisions? Condoms.
According to Antoniuk, the Red Cross began supplying condoms to the prisoners "in case they wanted to make love to each other."
Beyond condoms, Russian prisoners have also successfully lobbied for dietary improvements.
Among their complaints was the absence of Olivier salad—a traditional Russian dish often served during holidays—as well as a lack of vitamins in their diet.
The request for vitamins was granted.
"They are suffering, but not from hunger or cold," Antoniuk remarked. "Instead, their greatest torment is having to listen to the Ukrainian language."
Inside Ukraine’s POW Camps
Ukraine currently operates three prisoner-of-war camps for captured Russian soldiers, with the latest, Center-3, opening in May 2024 due to an increasing number of detainees.
According to Ukraine’s "I Want to Live" project, which facilitates Russian surrenders, the new camp provides prisoners with work opportunities, access to sports and leisure activities, psychological support, and even a church for religious services.
Unlike Russia, which heavily restricts access to POW camps holding Ukrainian soldiers, Ukraine has regularly opened its facilities to international observers, including the Red Cross, the UN, and foreign journalists.
The Associated Press visited one such camp in western Ukraine in April 2024, under the condition that its exact location remain undisclosed.
With the war continuing, Antoniuk and others predict Ukraine may need to build even more POW camps as the number of captured Russian troops grows.
