Letter to the Russian Ambassador

Subject: Request for the Immediate Release of Ukrainian Civilian Oleksii Kyselov

Dear Ambassador [INSERT] / Dear Ombudswoman Moskalkova,

I am writing to draw your attention to the arbitrary detention of Ukrainian civilian Oleksii Kyselov (born February 2, 1964), who was unjustly abducted and arrested on July 17, 2022, in the city of Henichesk (Kherson Region).

On July 17, 2022, Oleksii was arrested by the Russian military near his home in the city of Henichesk. He was taken to the local police station, where he was held in the basement for five days. During this time, he was beaten, tortured with electric shocks, and pressured to provide information about the Ukrainian Territorial Defense in Henichesk. On July 22, 2022, the Russian military transferred him to the Crimean border and handed him over to the Federal Security Service in Simferopol. On February 17, 2023, Oleksii was sentenced to 8.5 years in prison. He was initially held in High-Security Prison No. 2 (“Vladimir Central”) in the city of Vladimir, Vladimir Region, Russian Federation. He is currently held in Penal Colony No. 17 in the city of Murmansk, Murmansk Region, Russian Federation.

I am especially alarmed by reports of torture and mistreatment of detainees in Russian penal colonies and pre-trial detention centers. Oleksii Kyselov 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, particularly those abducted from Ukraine. Please ensure that Oleksii is granted contact with his family and provided with legal representation.

Respectfully,

Letter to the Ukrainian Authorities

Dear Ambassador [INSERT] / Dear Ombudsman Lubinets,

I am writing to draw your attention to the abduction of Ukrainian civilian Oleksii Kyselov (born February 2, 1964) by Russian military forces. He was unjustly detained on July 17, 2022, in the city of Henichesk (Kherson Region).

On July 17, 2022, Oleksii was arrested by Russian military personnel near his home in Henichesk. He was taken to the local police station, where he was held in the basement for five days. During this time, he was beaten, tortured with electric shocks, and pressured to provide information about the Ukrainian Territorial Defense in Henichesk. On July 22, 2022, the Russian military brought Oleksii to the Crimean border and handed him over to the Federal Security Service in Simferopol. On February 17, 2023, he was sentenced to 8.5 years in prison. Oleksii was initially held in High-Security Prison No. 2 (“Vladimir Central”) in the city of Vladimir, Vladimir Region, Russian Federation. He is currently being held in Penal Colony No. 17 in the city of Murmansk, Murmansk Region, Russian Federation.

I received information about his case from the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR), which conducts public advocacy, appeals, and sponsorship programs for Ukrainian civilian detainees. The organization is in close contact with the families of those abducted and works to raise awareness of the torture and mistreatment faced by Ukrainians in Russian captivity.

I have submitted an appeal to the Russian authorities, highlighting Oleksii Kyselov’s case and calling for his release.

I sincerely thank you for your tireless efforts in protecting the Ukrainian population and your ongoing support for abducted civilians.

Respectfully,