Abducted Ukrainian Civilians Need Advocates

Across occupied regions of Ukraine, civilians continue to suffer illegal detention by Russian forces. Unlike prisoners of war, these individuals are not combatants; they are ordinary citizens forcibly taken from their homes.

Speaking at the Annual Meeting of the German Section of the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) in March 2025, Liusiena Zinovkina shared her personal story:

“When Russian troops advanced in eastern Ukraine, my husband, Kostiantyn, remained behind in Melitopol to care for his ailing mother, while I fled to Kyiv. We agreed that at least one of us should survive. I last spoke with him on May 11, 2023. The next day, he left our apartment and never returned. Months later, in October 2023, he was paraded on Russian television, cruelly labelled a ‘zombie.’ In November 2024, he was brought before a military court in Rostov-on-Don. These civilians, whose very existence Russia denies, are subjected to transfers between detention facilities, torture, and both psychological and sexual violence.”

After Kostiantyn’s abduction, Liusiena fled to Germany. There, despite finding refuge, she faces continued harassment through anonymous nighttime threats.

“Fortunately, I live in a country where I can call the police for protection. Kostiantyn has no such safeguard. At any moment, prison guards can storm into his cell and act with impunity — or worse, on orders,” she testified.

The German Section of ISHR has committed to documenting these human rights violations. So far, they have registered 190 abducted civilians, noting their origins and current places of detention. The ISHR believes only strong political intervention can secure their release. To advance this goal, ISHR seeks political sponsors — public figures who can advocate for these hostages on the international stage.

In addition to advocacy, ISHR provides practical support:

• They offer emergency assistance to families who face financial hardship due to a breadwinner’s abduction.
• They create detailed profiles for the ISHR website and appeal campaigns.
• They maintain contact with affected families, offering moral support, solidarity, and hope.

ISHR’s mandate is clear: Present the victims’ stories. Sustain communication. Offer comfort. Find sponsors. Deliver help.