Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on (a) recent statements made by the Russian Embassy relating to Azov militants and capital punishment and (b) the legal status of mercenaries under International Public Law.

There are regular discussions with Cabinet and ministerial colleagues on the situation in Ukraine. The exploitation of prisoners of war for political purposes is a clear breach of International Humanitarian Law. We will ensure those responsible are held to account and will continue to consider options in concert with our allies. The Government of Ukraine is clear that those serving in the Azov Battalion are legitimate members of the Ukraine Armed Forces. On this basis, HMG's position is that they should be treated as Prisoners of War, and in this context, the FS has not had discussions with Cabinet about the legal status of mercenaries under International Public Law. This is another example of Russia not complying with International Humanitarian Law and instead exploiting individuals for political purposes.