Ukrainian prisoners of war say they were tortured at Russian prison - BBC NEWS

Ukrainian prisoners of war have said they were subjected to torture, including frequent beatings and electric shocks, while held in Russia, a BBC investigation has heard.

A dozen former captives described extreme violence and ill-treatment, apparent violations of international humanitarian law. Many of them surrendered in the city of Mariupol last year.

They were taken to a detention facility in the southern Russian city of Taganrog - before being released in exchanges.

Russia's defence ministry did not respond to several requests to comment on the allegations. It has previously denied torturing or mistreating captives.