Russia is trying to swap kidnapped civilians for its servicemen captured in combat. Testimonies of captured Ukrainian civilians reveal brutal treatment by Russian soldiers and prison guards.

Over 25,000 Ukrainians, including 20,000 civilians, have been listed as missing since 24 February 2022. Russian Federation is trying to swap kidnapped civilians for its servicemen captured in combat. But this strategy is a dead end — no one wants to exchange civilians for soldiers. On occupied territory, anyone can become Russia’s hostage.

“The Russian Federation is obliged to return them unconditionally and not include them in the POW exchange process,” said Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s human rights commissioner. “Novaya Gazeta Europe” tells two stories of such kidnappings.

by sadrustylynx