Thousands of Ukrainian civilians detained by Russia without charges

In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, thousands of Ukrainian civilians remain detained by Russian authorities, with many not aware of the reason for their detention. Human rights activists and organizations estimate that at least 1,672 Ukrainian civilians are currently held in custody in Moscow alone. These individuals include those detained in both occupied territories of Ukraine and Russia itself. Activists emphasize that many civilians are held for months without official charges and face uncertain futures. One notable case involves Kostiantyn Zinovkin, who was arrested in May 2023 and charged with several offenses that his family describes as baseless, including plotting a terrorist attack. Zinovkin's wife expresses her ongoing hopes for his release despite the grim circumstances, highlighting the psychological toll on families of the detained. Moreover, the situation has extended to other civilians, such as Serhii Tsyhipa, who, after disappearing in March 2022 while out for a walk, was sentenced to 13 years for espionage. Ukrainian rights advocates estimate that there are around 307 Ukrainian civilians convicted on espionage and treason charges, generally for acts that have been tied to their alleged actions against the war and Russian authorities. The conditions in which these detainees are held are reported to be harrowing, characterized by cases of torture, abuse, and harsh treatment. Both the U.N. Human Rights Council and human rights organizations emphasize a pattern of enforced disappearances and systematic torture occurring as part of Russia's state policy toward the civilian population. As discussions around potential peace settlements continue, groups like the ‘People First’ campaign are advocating for the inclusion of civilian prisoners in negotiations. There remains a widespread call for prioritizing these individuals’ release, which spans both Ukrainian captives and Russians detained for protesting the war. The uncertainty surrounding their cases adds to the families' despair while civil rights activists demand immediate action from both local and international bodies to ensure their safe return. Advocacy efforts continue in hopes of galvanizing further attention on this humanitarian crisis.