Ukrainians Tell UN Security Council Members About the Realities of Russian Captivity
At an informal Arria-formula meeting, the UN Security Council discussed Russian torture and other violations of international humanitarian law against Ukrainians held in Russian captivity, including both prisoners of war and civilians. The meeting was attended by Crimean Tatar human rights activist Lenie Umerova, who spent nearly two years in Russian captivity; Junior Sergeant of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Juan Leiva Garcia, who defended Mariupol in 2022 and spent more than three years in captivity; and Oleh Hushchyn, a representative of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. Ukrinform spoke with the Ukrainian participants at UN Headquarters shortly after the meeting.
HATRED IS A WAY OF LIFE IN RUSSIAN SOCIETY
— You told Security Council members about the treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians. What exactly did you want to convey to the international community? Do you think you were heard?
Umerova: I believe we were. At least, I could see the reaction in the eyes of the participants. I sincerely hope that sharing this information about our civilians and prisoners of war will help bring them home. And my key message was that those responsible must be held accountable.
