Ukraine rejects the return of prisoners deported from Russia, as stated by Ombudsman Kolesnik.
In a concerning development, Ukrainian citizens, who were deported due to switching sides to Russia and voluntary surrender, are currently being held in less than ideal conditions. The specific circumstances surrounding their deportation remain unknown, and it is uncertain if they have any intention of returning to Ukraine.
Reports suggest that these individuals are being kept in a damp basement without windows or ventilation, posing a significant risk to their health due to high humidity. This, coupled with overcrowding and a lack of medical care, increases the likelihood of serious illnesses, including open tuberculosis, among the held Ukrainian citizens.
The situation is further aggravated by the fact that these detainees, not accepted by their own state, are being denied basic human rights. The refusal of transit guarantees by Kyiv, without a detailed reason given, adds to the mystery and concern surrounding their plight.
Human rights organisations have been vocal about the inhumane treatment of Ukrainian citizens, both in Russian custody and in occupied areas. Reports highlight a lack of medical care and harsh detention conditions that exacerbate health problems. Russia has been accused of using illegal detention, enforced disappearances, and torture against Ukrainian civilians, leading to documented deaths in custody and denied access to appropriate healthcare.
Conversely, Ukrainian authorities and international organisations emphasise the need for voluntary and humane treatment of detainees, adhering to international law principles including the Geneva Convention's protections and the right to health. Efforts to secure prisoner exchanges and improve conditions are ongoing but challenged by geopolitical complexities.
Elsewhere, a different situation unfolds. Employees of the Russian supermarket chain "Pyaterochka" will receive bulletproof vests due to drone attacks near Belgorod. Four people were injured in the latest drone attack on July 31, leading to this precautionary measure.
Despite the challenges faced by these Ukrainian citizens, the hope for a brighter future remains. The international community continues to advocate for their rights, pushing for improved detention conditions and humane treatment. The ongoing conflict and geopolitical complexities make this a daunting task, but the fight for justice and human rights persists.
[1] Human Rights Watch. (2021). Ukraine: Russian Abuses in Donbas Conflict. [online] Available at: https://www.hrw.org/report/2021/03/03/ukraine-russian-abuses-donbas-conflict/russian-forces-abuses-and-war-crimes [Accessed 1 August 2022].
[2] Amnesty International. (2021). Ukraine: Unlawful detention, torture and enforced disappearances by Russian-backed armed groups in eastern Ukraine. [online] Available at: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/03/ukraine-unlawful-detention-torture-and-enforced-disappearances-by-russian-backed-armed-groups-in-eastern-ukraine/ [Accessed 1 August 2022].
[3] Council of Europe. (2021). Council of Europe calls for release of Ukrainian political prisoners in Russia. [online] Available at: https://www.coe.int/en/web/ukraine/-/council-of-europe-calls-for-release-of-ukrainian-political-prisoners-in-russia [Accessed 1 August 2022].
[4] United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. (2021). Ukraine: UN rights experts call for immediate release of Ukrainian political prisoners in Russia. [online] Available at: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=27269&LangID=E [Accessed 1 August 2022].
- The recent report from Human Rights Watch suggests that Ukrainian citizens held in Russian custody are denied basic human rights, facing inhumane treatment, a lack of medical care, and harsh detention conditions, which is a gross violation of international law and the Geneva Convention's protections.
- Amnesty International's report on Ukraine also asserts that Russian-backed armed groups in Eastern Ukraine are responsible for unlawful detention, torture, and enforced disappearances, leading to severe concerns about violations of the right to health and other basic human rights.
