Deputy Permanent Representative Denys Chystikov participated in a working meeting on joint efforts to improve mechanisms for civil society organizations’ influence on releasing civilians from Russian captivity, organized by the public union “Human Rights House Crimea.”

During the discussion, Denys Chystikov emphasized the key issues identified by the Mission during its monitoring of the persecution of Ukrainian citizens by the occupying state in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea. Specifically, he highlighted the growing number of detentions and criminal cases initiated under politically motivated charges, noting a significant increase in cases involving women compared to previous periods. The Deputy Permanent Representative also underlined the rising number of criminal cases where the identity of individuals prosecuted under such charges remains undisclosed, complicating the provision of timely legal assistance to unlawfully detained citizens.

“The Russian occupation administration conceals accurate information about the number of Ukrainians held in captivity, their condition, and their whereabouts. As of today, we are aware of at least 218 political prisoners, including 132 Crimean Tatars,” noted Denys Chystikov.

The Deputy Permanent Representative further stressed the importance of consolidating efforts by state institutions, civil society, and the international community to secure the release of civilian hostages from captivity. Particular attention was paid to the significance of cooperation with foreign partners who actively support the implementation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula, especially in the context of returning Ukrainian citizens. Special attention was also drawn to the need to strengthen collaboration with international organizations, such as the United Nations, the OSCE, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to enhance the effectiveness of efforts to release Ukrainian civilians unlawfully detained by Russia.