Father of Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier kidnapped in occupied Energodar

A civilian resident, Artur Gorbatko, was kidnapped in occupied Energodar. Before and after the occupation of the city, he worked at the Vodokanal utility company. The man lived with his wife and did not inform his son of his intention to leave.

This was reported by the Association of Relatives of Kremlin Political Prisoners.

On February 7, 2023, Artur Gorbatko stopped getting in touch. He was supposed to be at work that day, but colleagues reported that the man did not show up. There were no witnesses to the detention. Artur’s car remained where he parked it the day before.

The family does not know the circumstances of the kidnapping. After the disappearance, representatives of the Russian army came to the house. They conducted a search and took away all the equipment. The reasons for these actions were not explained.

Artur’s wife tried to find out his whereabouts. She turned to the so-called “authorities” and “law enforcement” structures of the Russian Federation, wrote statements and traveled to other cities. They did not provide her with any information. In some places, they advised her not to ask questions, “because it would be better that way.” The family did not receive any ransom demands.

According to the residents of the city, at that time, various units of Russian forces were in Energodar. The family does not know who exactly was involved in the kidnapping. The occupation authorities did not provide any official explanations or documents.

For a long time after the disappearance, there was no information. Later, the family was told that during one of the exchanges, the former prisoner allegedly heard the name Gorbatka and was in a neighboring cell with him. This information has no official confirmation.

The relatives contacted the Ukrainian police, handed over DNA samples, photos and all available information. Applications were also submitted to the Coordination Headquarters and other state bodies. There is currently no official information about the fate of Artur Gorbatko.

Artur Gorbatko was a civilian. He worked as a chief electrician and had chronic heart, back and knee diseases. The family suggests that the reason for the abduction could be the position of his son, who helped the Ukrainian military and is an active serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The whereabouts of Artur Gorbatko still remain unknown.

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