"The Ukrainian authorities actively use torture practices, inhumane treatment which violates human dignity… There are using techniques such as burning flesh with red-hot objects, forced crossing of minefields, simulated shooting, throwing [prisoners] into pits with dead bodies, waterboarding and so on," Dolgov said referring to data provided by the Fund for Research of Democracy Problems, an NGO based in Moscow.
The armed conflict in Ukraine's southeast began in April as Kiev launched a military operation against independence supporters, who refused to recognize new authorities following a February coup.
On November 20, the United Nations (UN) issued a report expressing concern over continuous and serious human rights abuses documented in the Ukrainian southeast against a background of numerous ceasefire violations. The report said the crimes should be promptly investigated, and the perpetrators brought to justice.
According to the UN figures, over 4,300 people were killed and almost 10,000 injured in southeast Ukraine between mid-April and November 18.
