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Exposed: The Russian-Backed Thugs Running Ukraine's Secret Torture Chambers

While victims suffer the lifelong trauma of captivity, the men responsible for systematic abuse are living ordinary lives in Russia and occupied territories.

Foreign PolicyPublished July 6, 2026 at 11:55 PM
Composite image of three men: Temerbek in a blue shirt, hi-vis jacket and cap (left), Spivak in a camouflage jacket holding a dog (centre), and Yeriomichev, with a short beard and a glass of beer (right)

The true face of the Russian-backed occupation in Ukraine has been laid bare, revealing a network of secret detention centers where civilians are subjected to horrific abuse.

A recent investigation has identified three men—Yurii Temerbek, Ruslan Yeriomichev, and Andrey Spivak—accused of participating in a system of torture, beatings, and sexual violence that the UN has described as widespread.

While victims like Liudmyla Huseinova recount years of trauma, these accused perpetrators appear to be living undisturbed lives, with social media photos showing them enjoying family holidays, hunting, and working in Russia.

Ukrainian prosecutors have initiated criminal proceedings against these individuals for their roles in what are described as terrorist-linked operations, yet the reach of justice remains limited. The detention system, which includes sites like the notorious Izolyatsia facility, has held thousands of civilians since 2014.

Despite the Kremlin’s dismissive rhetoric regarding international human rights reports, the evidence of systemic cruelty continues to mount. For survivors, the goal is clear: holding these individuals accountable under the law for the deliberate, calculated suffering they inflicted on innocent people.

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ukrainerussiahuman-rightswar-crimesforeign-policy

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