As of July 2024, more than 25,000 Ukrainian civilians are being held in Russian captivity. Per international law, civilians are exempt from being used in exchanges. However, Russia is using civilian people as hostages, holding them captive and even attempting to use them to bargain for its military personnel. Both Ukrainian POWs and civilian captives suffer under terrible conditions and are subjected to physical and psychological torture, food and water shortages, beatings, unlawful interrogations, and trials while being detained by Russia.
Journalists and media workers are among the most vulnerable categories of people suffering in Russian captivity. Victoria Roshchyna’s story is particularly tragic. After being detained twice, she died during a supposed “transfer” due to the inhumane conditions she faced in Russian captivity.
How you can help Ukraine against Russian aggression:
Come back alive – https://bit.ly/3Ct6O2L (works directly with the command and personnel of military units, purchasing infrared thermal imaging cameras, night vision goggles, hemostatics etc);
UNITED 24 – https://bit.ly/3M2mXiT (launched by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the main venue for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. Funds will be transferred to the official accounts of the National Bank of Ukraine and allocated by assigned ministries to cover the most pressing needs)
Army SOS – https://bit.ly/3UYK168 (manages purchases of necessary ammunition, shields, intercommunication and reconnaissance facilities, etc. and delivers all goods directly);
Vostok SOS – https://bit.ly/3Ruut75 (raising funds for various needs of the army).