Thousands of Ukrainian civilians remain in Russian custody amid ongoing conflict

Ukraine, represented by President Volodymyr Zelensky, is continuing its efforts to pressure Russia amid ongoing Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian cities. Recently, Russian attacks have intensified, causing civilian casualties, including one death and multiple injuries in Kyiv. Zelensky has expressed that the pressure on Russia from the international community is still not sufficient, emphasizing the need for stronger measures to ensure Ukraine's defense and safety. According to the Center for Civil Liberties, a Ukrainian rights group, there are more than 20,000 Ukrainian civilians currently held by Russian forces in occupied territories and within Russia itself. This alarming figure highlights the significant number of innocents caught in the conflict, and organizations like Memorial have verified that over 1,600 Ukrainian civilians are indeed in custody, suggesting the actual numbers may be much higher. This ongoing situation has led to calls from various leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, for a ceasefire to end the violence. However, Zelensky has stated that it is crucial for the international community to maintain pressure on Russia, indicating that President Putin is not interested in peace at this time and may be positioning for future escalations in hostilities. Furthermore, discussions between Ukraine and the U.S. regarding a new draft agreement for access to Ukraine's mineral resources are in progress, showcasing Ukraine's efforts to bolster its defenses and economic position during the conflict.