The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets noted on April 17, 2023, that not only servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine but also civilians are in Russian captivity. Yes, at least 20,000 Ukrainian civilians are currently being held hostage by Russia.
Source: The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets
“The total number of civilian hostages currently held by Russia is huge. I can only name the number of those who officially addressed me from among their relatives: this number is more than 20 thousand people,” informed the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights.
Moreover, according to Dmytro Lubinets, their number is actually greater. After all, part of the Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, all of Donetsk, Luhansk regions and all of Crimea are still under the occupation of the Russians.
Dmytro Lubinets emphasized that relatives who are in Russian-occupied territories do not have the opportunity to contact Ukraine because they will be detained and accused of espionage.
“Russia uses civilians [Ukrainians – ed.] to bring back its military,” added the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights.
See also: More than 700 Ukrainian civilians are in Russian captivity in the Zaporizhzhia region
