Without trial and investigation. Russia keeps thousands of Ukrainian civilians in colonies and detention centers in the Russian Federation

Thousands of Ukrainian citizens who are not prisoners of war are held in colonies and detention centers in Russia and in the occupied territories of Ukraine.

This is stated in the investigation of the Russian service of the BBC.

Such detentions began after the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine. Thus, most often Ukrainians were detained by the Russian military simply on the streets or while passing through filtration camps. After that, they were locked up in remand cells in Russia or in colonies without charges, investigative actions, trials and a term of release.

“Therefore, it is impossible to find them officially, and for their liberation, unlike prisoners of war, there are no mechanisms,” the article says.

The Russian Ministry of Defense, in responses to inquiries about civilians, stated that they were “held in accordance with the requirements of the Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War.” This convention does not say anything about the possibility of taking civilians captive, but it does prohibit taking hostages. Everything related to capture in the conventions applies exclusively to the military.

“Civilians, according to current international norms, can be detained as long as possible, and in accordance with the laws and regulations of the occupying party, as well as with a guarantee of a fair trial,” the investigation continues.

Lawyers told the publication that everything is complicated by the fact that civilians are sitting in Russian colonies without protection, accusations and trials. Such people exist within the Russian penitentiary system, while formally they are not there.

Journalists also told the story of several residents of Ukraine captured by the Russian military. Subsequently, these Ukrainians were sent to Russian detention centers or to occupied Crimea. At the same time, lawyers and relatives are not allowed in the colony, even if it was possible to find out where the person is being held.

According to the latest data, more than 140 Ukrainian civilians returned home as part of the exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia, said the Ombudsman of Ukraine Dmytro Lubinets. The Russians released a certain number of Ukrainian citizens without explanation. Some of those released later told about torture by the Russian military or employees of detention centers.

On December 7, Lubinets said that approximately 28,000 Ukrainian civilians are in Russian captivity, approximately 2,000 of them are citizens over 65 years old.