Letter to the Russian Ambassador

Subject: Request for the Immediate Release of Ukrainian Civilian Oleksandr Kurdin

Dear Ambassador [INSERT] / Dear Ombudswoman Moskalkova,

I am writing to draw your attention to the arbitrary detention of Ukrainian civilian Oleksandr Kurdin (born June 5, 1986), who was unjustly abducted and arrested on March 22, 2022, in the city of Bucha, Kyiv Region.

At the start of the full-scale invasion, Oleksandr was in Bucha, Kyiv Region. In late February 2022, the city was occupied by Russian forces. Oleksandr remained in phone contact with his wife, but on March 22, 2022, she was no longer able to reach him. After Bucha was liberated, she learned that Oleksandr had been abducted by Russian soldiers. In January 2023, it became known that Oleksandr Kurdin was being held in Pre-Trial Detention Center No. 2 in the city of Novozybkov, Bryansk Region. Current information suggests he may now be held in Penal Colony No. 1 in Tula Region.

I am particularly alarmed by reports of torture and mistreatment of detainees in Russian penal colonies and pre-trial detention centers. Oleksandr Kurdin is an innocent civilian who is being held without any legitimate legal basis. The rights and freedoms of individuals in such situations must be fully respected and protected.

I urge you to ensure the lawful and humane treatment of all civilian detainees in Russia, especially those abducted from Ukraine. Please allow him contact with his family and provide him with legal representation.

Respectfully,

Letter to the Ukrainian Authorities

Dear Ambassador [INSERT] / Dear Ombudsman Lubinets,

I am writing to draw your attention to the arbitrary detention of Ukrainian civilian Oleksandr Kurdin (born June 5, 1986), who was unjustly abducted and arrested on March 22, 2022, in the city of Bucha, Kyiv Region.

At the start of the full-scale invasion, Oleksandr was in Bucha, Kyiv Region. In late February 2022, the city was occupied by Russian troops. Oleksandr remained in phone contact with his wife, but on March 22, 2022, she was no longer able to reach him. After the liberation of Bucha, she learned that Oleksandr had been abducted by Russian forces. In January 2023, it became known that he was being held in Pre-Trial Detention Center No. 2 in Novozybkov, Bryansk Region. Current information suggests he may now be detained in Penal Colony No. 1 in Tula Region.

I received this information from the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR), which is engaged in public advocacy, appeals, and sponsorships for Ukrainian civilian detainees. The organization is in close contact with the families of those abducted and is actively working to raise awareness about the situation of Ukrainians in Russian captivity and the torture and abuse they face.

I have already submitted an appeal to the Russian authorities, highlighting the case of Oleksandr Kurdin and calling for his release.

I sincerely thank you for your tireless work to protect the Ukrainian people and for your continued efforts on behalf of abducted civilians.

Respectfully,