This report examines the systematic unlawful deprivation of liberty of civilians in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine in 2025 and their subsequent transfer to the Russian Federation. Based on 219 interviews conducted by the Association of Relatives of Political Prisoners of the Kremlin, the report documents patterns of arbitrary detention, incommunicado detention, torture, ill-treatment, forced transfers, and unfair trials.

It shows how civilians are moved through a network of unofficial detention sites, transit points, pre-trial detention centres and penal institutions, while Russian judicial and penitentiary systems are used to formalise and conceal unlawful persecution. The findings indicate serious violations of international humanitarian and criminal law, which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

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February 25, 2026

Analytical Report "After Unlawful Deprivation of Liberty: From Survival to Recovery"

The report "After Unlawful Deprivation of Liberty: From Survival to Recovery" is dedicated to the need for adopting a state framework programme to support released civilians. It analyses how the support system for civilians released after unlawful deprivation of liberty as a result of the Russian Federation’s armed aggression currently functions in Ukraine. Based on the data reviewed, the authors propose the introduction of a state framework programme. The report also provides clear recommendations for state authorities and international organisations aimed at improving the rehabilitation process for people who have returned from unlawful detention.
Submission to the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances
August 6, 2024

Submission to the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances

By this submission Non-GovernmentalOrganization "Association of Relatives of Political Prisoners of the Kremlin" provides the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances information about cases of human rights violations in the context of the armed conflict in Ukraine, specifically the enforced disappearances of civilian citizens of our state, which have resulted from crimes committed by Russian military personnel and representatives of the occupying authorities in the occupied territories of Ukraine.