A Law That "Doesn't See" Thousands of Civilians in Russian Captivity: Why It Must Be Changed

The head of our organization, Ihor Koteliants, has published an op-ed in Ukrainska Pravda addressing a critical gap in Ukrainian legislation: the law intended to protect those unlawfully imprisoned as a result of Russia’s aggression currently ignores the majority of civilians held by Russian forces in temporarily occupied territories — without sentence, without rights, without hope.

The victims are not only activists or military personnel — they include teachers, farmers, civil servants, and social workers. Many have endured torture, deportation, and abuse, yet the state does not recognize them.

Under current law, only “political prisoners” and “hostages” are acknowledged. This is discrimination. Thousands of other victims are left without status, compensation, or even moral support.

The Commission under the Ministry for Reintegration makes decisions without clear criteria, deepening mistrust and inconsistency.

We are calling for change. The legislation must be updated to reflect the realities of full-scale war and to recognize all cases of unlawful deprivation of liberty as war crimes — ensuring support and justice for every victim.

📖 Read the full op-ed (in Ukrainian) on the Ukrainska Pravda website:
https://www.pravda.com.ua/columns/2025/07/3/7519980/

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