Ukraine's human rights commissioner appeals to Russia over abduction of 19 border oblast residents

Dmytro Lubinets, Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) Human Rights Commissioner, has appealed to Russia's human rights commissioner regarding 19 residents of the village of Sopych in the Esman hromada in Sumy Oblast whom the Russians have likely abducted and taken to Russia. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories – ed.]

Source: Lubinets on X (Twitter)

Details: Lubinets said contact with the village residents was first lost and later their interviews appeared on one of the Russian TV channels.

The human rights commissioner emphasised that the forced deportation of civilians is a violation of international humanitarian law and the laws and customs of war.

Quote: "I urgently appealed to the Russian commissioner for human rights, demanding immediate access to these Ukrainian citizens, information about their health and detention conditions, and their prompt return home.

Ukraine insists on compliance with international law and protection of the rights of its citizens."

Background:

• The Sumy-based outlet Kordon.Media previously reported that Russian troops may have taken about two dozen residents of the border village of Sopych to Russia.
• The Armed Forces of Ukraine's communications directorate said in response to a query from journalists that the Russian forces are trying to entrench themselves in the border areas of Sumy Oblast, but Ukrainian defence forces units are holding back the advance. In particular, it was noted that the Russians are suffering losses in the area of Sopych in the Esman hromada.
• The Armed Forces of Ukraine also emphasised that the actions of Russian troops in Sumy Oblast's border areas indicate gross violations of international humanitarian law and the laws of war and that the situation requires continued evacuation of civilians from border areas.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!