Thousands Detained in Russia
- MELITOPOL, Ukraine (AP) — Liusiena Zinovkina recalled the day nearly two years ago when her husband, Kostiantyn, was seized from their Melitopol home.Russian forces, occupying the southern Ukrainian...
- Instead,Zinovkin remains in Russian custody,facing what his family describes as fabricated terrorism charges.
- Though, the plight of these civilians has frequently enough been overshadowed in international discussions.
Thousands of Ukrainian Civilians Held Captive by Russia, Families Plead for Release
MELITOPOL, Ukraine (AP) — Liusiena Zinovkina recalled the day nearly two years ago when her husband, Kostiantyn, was seized from their Melitopol home.Russian forces, occupying the southern Ukrainian city, stormed their apartment. They claimed Kostiantyn was arrested for a minor offense and would soon be released.
Instead,Zinovkin remains in Russian custody,facing what his family describes as fabricated terrorism charges. His case is one of thousands, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that securing the release of civilian captives, alongside prisoners of war, is crucial to ending the conflict.
Though, the plight of these civilians has frequently enough been overshadowed in international discussions. Oleksandra Matviichuk, director of the Center for Civil Liberties, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, emphasized the need to prioritize human lives. “While politicians talk about natural resources, possible territorial concessions, geopolitical interests… they do not talk about people,” Matviichuk said.
Campaign Aims to Prioritize Captive Release
In January, the Center for Civil Liberties and other Ukrainian and Russian human rights groups launched “The First people” campaign. The campaign advocates that any peace agreement must prioritize the release of all captives, including russians imprisoned for protesting the war and Ukrainian children allegedly deported illegally.
“You cannot achieve sustainable peace without taking into account the human dimension,” Matviichuk told The Associated Press.
The exact number of Ukrainian civilians detained in occupied territories and Russia remains unkown. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman, estimates the figure to be over 20,000.The Center for Civil Liberties reports receiving over 4,000 requests for assistance related to detained civilians. Matviichuk asserts that detaining non-combatants during wartime violates international law.
According to Ole orlov, co-founder of the Russian human rights group Memorial, at least 1,672 Ukrainian civilians are confirmed to be in Moscow’s custody. orlov, whose association also participates in “The First People” campaign and shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Matviichuk’s group, believes the actual number is highly likely much higher.
Detention Without Charges Common
Orlov noted that many civilians are held for months without charges, often unaware of the reasons for their detention.
Mykyta Shkriabin, then 19, was arrested by Russian soldiers in the Kharkiv region in March 2022.He was searching for groceries when he disappeared. His lawyer, Leonid Solovyov, stated that Shkriabin was arrested without any formal charges. In 2023, authorities began referring to him as a prisoner of war, a designation Solovyov is challenging, as Shkriabin was not a combatant.
Tetiana, Shkriabin’s mother, told the AP last month that she still doesn’t know where her son is being held.She has received only two letters from him in three years, in which he states that he is well and that she should not worry. She hopes for “an exchange of prisoners, a repatriation or something.”
Accusations of Terrorism, Treason, Espionage
other detainees face what relatives claim are fabricated charges. Liusiena Zinovkina said her husband, Kostiantyn, has been imprisoned for over two years and accused of seven crimes, including planning a terrorist attack, assembling weapons, and high treason. She insists the charges are “absurd.”
Zinovkina acknowledged her husband’s pro-Ukrainian stance and opposition to the Russian occupation. Though, she stated he is incapable of conspiring to commit an attack or handling weapons.She finds the treason charge notably absurd, as Russian law stipulates that only citizens can be accused of treason, and Zinovkin has never held Russian citizenship.
Another case involves Serhii Tsyhipa, 63, a journalist, who was convicted of espionage and sentenced to 13 years in a maximum-security prison. He disappeared in March 2022 while walking his dog in Nova Kakhovka, in the partially occupied Kherson region. His wife, Olena, reported that Tsyhipa wore a jacket with a large stitched Red Cross emblem, as they both volunteered to distribute food and essential supplies after the Russian invasion.
Olena believes her husband was arrested for protesting the occupation. He was held in Crimea for months before being charged with espionage in December 2022. He was convicted in October 2023 after a trial consisting of only three hearings. Despite appealing, his sentence was upheld. “But the Russian authorities must understand that we are fighting, that we do everything possible to bring him home,” she said.
Mykhailo Savva, of the Expert Council of the Center for Civil Liberties, stated that human rights activists are aware of approximately 307 Ukrainian civilians convicted in Russia on criminal charges, typically espionage or treason (if the person held a Russian passport), but also terrorism and extremism.
Savva added that in occupied territories, Russian forces consider activists, community leaders, and journalists to be “the greatest threat.” human rights advocates report that securing the release of those already serving sentences will be a difficult battle.
Harsh Prison Conditions
Details about prison conditions is scarce, forcing relatives to rely on fragmented reports.
Zinovkina has received letters from her husband detailing problems with his vision, teeth, and back. Former prisoners have described narrow, cold cells in the basement of a Rostov prison where he is being held. She believes her husband was pressured into signing a confession. Another prisoner told her that Kostiantyn “confessed everything they wanted to say, so the worst already happened” for him.
Orlov reported that prisoners of war and Ukrainian civilians are known to be held in harsh conditions, with frequent complaints of abuse and torture. He noted that the Kremlin tested these methods during the Chechen wars in the 1990s and 2000s, long before invading Ukraine, observing a similar pattern of conflict.
“In essence, a misanthropic system has been created, and all those who fall into it end in hell,” added Matviichuk.
A recent report from the UN Human Rights Council stated that Russia “committed forced disappearances and torture such as crimes against humanity,” as part of a “systematic attack against the civilian population and in compliance with a coordinated policy of the State.” The report added that Moscow “arrested a large number of civilians,” imprisoned them in occupied Ukraine or deported them to Russia, and “systematically used torture against certain categories of detainees to extract information, coerce and intimidate.”
The Russian Defense Ministry, the Federal Penitentiary Service, and the Federal Security Service did not respond to requests for comment.
Families Temper Hope with Patience
While international discussions focus on ceasefires, relatives are focused on the release of their loved ones.
Liusiena Zinovkina said she has not lost hope while her husband, now 35, is being judged, but she is tempering her expectations. “I see that it is not as simple as the U.S. president thought.It is not so easy to reach an agreement with Russia,” she said, reminding herself to “be patient. It will happen, but not tomorrow.”
Olena Tsyhipa stressed that every minute counts for her husband, whose health has deteriorated.”My belief in his return is unwavering,” she said. “We just have to wait.”
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Litvinova reported from Tallinn, estonia. Arhirova reported from Kyiv. Yuras Karmanau contributed from Tallinn.
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Thousands of Ukrainian Civilians Held Captive by Russia: A Q&A on the Human Cost of Conflict
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has resulted in a heartbreaking situation: thousands of Ukrainian civilians are being held captive by Russian forces. Families are desperately pleading for their release, a plea that highlights the often-overlooked human cost of war.This article provides in-depth answers to key questions surrounding this critical issue, based on the provided reporting from the Associated Press and other sources.
What is the central issue being discussed in this article?
The core issue is the unlawful detention of thousands of Ukrainian civilians by Russian forces. these individuals are being held in occupied territories and Russia itself, often on fabricated charges or without any charges at all. Their families are living in anguish, tirelessly advocating for their release.
Why is the release of civilian captives so vital?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized that securing the release of civilian captives is crucial to ending the conflict. Oleksandra Matviichuk, director of the Center for civil Liberties and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, underscores the importance of prioritizing human lives in any peace negotiations. Sustainable peace cannot be achieved without addressing the human dimension of the conflict. this means prioritizing the well-being and freedom of non-combatants.
How many Ukrainian civilians are believed to be held captive by Russia?
The exact number of Ukrainian civilians detained is unknown. Estimates vary. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman, estimates the figure to be over 20,000. Other sources like Ole Orlov, co-founder of the Russian human rights group Memorial, confirm at least 1,672 are in Moscow’s custody, though he believes the actual number is highly likely much higher.
What are the typical charges levied against these civilians?
Many of the detained civilians face fabricated charges. These often include:
Terrorism: Cases like that of Kostiantyn Zinovkin, accused of planning an attack.
Treason: Especially problematic as russian law only allows the charge to be levied against Russian citizens, and many Ukrainian civilians are not citizens.
Espionage: The case of journalist Serhii Tsyhipa,who was convicted based on flimsy evidence.
Extremism: This is a more general charge often used to silence dissent or target activists.
They are also held without charges, sometimes for months, according to reports.
What are the conditions like for ukrainian civilians in Russian custody?
The conditions are very harsh, according to fragmented reports. Details are frequently enough scarce,as families rely on news,rare letters,and stories from former prisoners. Here are some details:
Prison conditions: Former prisoners have described narrow, cold cells, often in the basement of prisons.
Health Concerns: Reports of health issues, like vision problems, dental issues, and back problems are common.
Abuse and Torture: Reports of abuse and torture mirroring tactics previously used in the Chechen Wars have been documented.
UN Report: A recent report from the UN Human rights Council stated that Russia “committed forced disappearances and torture such as crimes against humanity,” as part of a “systematic attack against the civilian population and in compliance with a coordinated policy of the State.”
Is detaining civilians during wartime a violation of international law?
Yes.As Oleksandra Matviichuk of the Center for Civil Liberties states, detaining non-combatants during wartime violates international law. This point is critical, and underscores the urgent need for their release.This is another reason why the international community is concerned.
What is the “First People” campaign, and what are its goals?
The “First people” campaign was launched in January by the Center for Civil Liberties and other Ukrainian and Russian human rights groups. The campaign advocates that any peace agreement must prioritize the release of all captives. This includes:
Ukrainian civilians
Russians imprisoned for protesting the war
Ukrainian children allegedly deported illegally
The goal is to put the human dimension at the forefront of negotiations, ensuring their release becomes a primary objective, not an afterthought.
Are families hopeful for the release of their loved ones?
While hope persists, families are tempering their expectations. They acknowledge the complexity of negotiations with Russia and are practicing patience. They know that their belief in their loved ones’ return is unwavering,but waiting is hard.
How are these detentions impacting the lives of those held captive?
The detentions are profoundly impacting the lives of those held captive, their families, and, by extension, their communities. Detainees’ physical and mental health suffers due to poor conditions,lack of access to basic necessities,and the stress of uncertainty. The families suffer deep emotional and psychological distress. Detainees are stripped of their freedom, their families, are subject to accusations, and their future is in jeopardy.
What can individuals do to support the release of Ukrainian civilians?
While this article doesn’t explicitly state actions that individuals can do, it underscores the importance of:
Raising Awareness: Sharing this and similar information about the situation is key.
Supporting Human Rights Organizations: Organizations like the Center for Civil Liberties and Memorial need support to continue their work.
contacting Elected Officials: Urge your representatives to advocate for the release of Ukrainian civilians.
What is the significance of the UN Human Rights Council report?
The UN human Rights Council report underscores the gravity and systematic nature of the abuses. by highlighting that Russia has “committed forced disappearances and torture such as crimes against humanity” within a “systematic attack against the civilian population,” the report provides critical evidence,and possibly strengthens legal cases.
Why is this story important?
This story is important because it sheds light on a critical, yet often-overlooked, aspect of the war in Ukraine: the human cost. By focusing on the stories of the detained civilians and their families, we gain a deeper understanding of the true impact of the conflict, as well as the need for accountability and justice.
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