Today, Deputy Permanent Representative Denys Chystikov participated in the rally Let’s Celebrate Christmas at Home, organized by the civil society organization Civilians in Captivity. The main goal of the event was to support Ukrainian citizens illegally imprisoned by Russia. The event was attended by family members of illegally detained individuals, government officials, non-governmental organizations, activists, and media representatives. The participants called for the release of all civilian hostages and emphasized the need to strengthen international pressure on Russia.

The Deputy Permanent Representative stressed that, before 2022, Russia had been illegally detaining Ukrainian citizens in the occupied territories. However, with the start of the full-scale invasion, the number of civilian hostages illegally held in pre-trial detention centers in Crimea has significantly increased. The occupation administration is using the Crimean Peninsula for the illegal transfer and detention of people from newly occupied territories.

“To understand the scale of war crimes committed by Russia in the occupied territories, it is enough to note that before the full-scale invasion, the occupation administration used two pre-trial detention centers, but after the invasion, that number increased to four. Currently, there are illegal places of detention on the occupied territories, about which neither the families of the hostages nor international organizations have any information,” said the Deputy Permanent Representative.

Denys Chystikov paid particular attention to the issue of Ukrainian citizens whom Russia is holding as civilian hostages. He emphasized that the occupation regime aims not only to destroy Ukrainian statehood but also to annihilate Ukrainian identity, a goal it is currently pursuing with illegally detained hostages.

“We must fight for every citizen of Ukraine, and that is exactly what we are doing tirelessly, directing all our efforts towards the release of hostages,” emphasized Denys Chystikov, stressing that the war will only end when every Ukrainian citizen illegally detained by Russia returns home to their family.

Denys Chystikov also underscored the importance of unity and international support in the fight against Russian aggression. He emphasized that the Representation is actively involved in international activities, sharing the stories of each illegally detained Ukrainian with international partners. He stressed that only through joint efforts with the international community can the aggressor be defeated. 

“Russia understands only the language of power, and our power lies in unity. Only through joint efforts can we ensure the return of illegally detained citizens and restore justice,” stated the Deputy Permanent Representative.

Participants of the Let’s Celebrate Christmas at Home rally emphasized the need to increase pressure on Russia. They called on the international community to apply additional sanctions and contribute to the prompt release of civilian hostages.

Photographer: Nataliia Kravets