Number of Ukrainian athletes held in Russian captivity revealed

At least 19 Ukrainian athletes are currently being held in Russian captivity.

Source: Center for Civil Liberties

Details: Ahead of International Olympic Day, marked annually on 23 June, the organisation, together with the Media Initiative for Human Rights, called for increased pressure on Russia over its detention of Ukrainian athletes and demanded their immediate release.

According to Ukraine's Ministry of Youth and Sports, at least 19 Ukrainian athletes are currently being held in Russian captivity, while another 13 are missing. Meanwhile, 23 athletes have returned home from captivity.

The actual figures could be significantly higher, as over 92,000 Ukrainians are currently listed as missing under special circumstances. Some of them are believed to be held in Russian captivity, including both prisoners of war and civilians. It is impossible to establish precise numbers because Russia conceals information about its detention centres and does not grant international organisations access to detainees.

Background: In early June, International Master of Sports and Paralympic silver medallist Ihor Bondar was killed in action.

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