This analytical review for March 2026 examines 16 testimonies concerning civilians unlawfully deprived of liberty by the Russian Federation and occupation administrations. It documents enforced disappearance in all cases, as well as patterns of arbitrary detention, torture, unlawful transfer, politically motivated prosecution and violations of the right to a fair trial. The findings bear indications of war crimes and may amount to crimes against humanity.

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March 31, 2025

Analytical review of the activities of the NGO “Association of Relatives of Kremlin Political Prisoners” regarding the documentation of war crimes committed by the Russian Federation against the civilian population in Ukraine in March 2025

Since 2022, the Association's documenters have identified and interviewed 477 witnesses of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and other international crimes against the civilian population, including shelling of civilian infrastructure, appropriation of private property by the occupiers, and unlawful deprivation of liberty. As of March 31, 2025, information has been established and documented on 322 civilians who were illegally deprived of their personal liberty as a result of the Russian Federation's aggression, 13 of whom were identified during the documentation of testimonies in March 2025.
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May 20, 2026

Trapped in Uncertainty: Systemic Barriers for Victims of Unlawful Deprivation of Personal Liberty

The 2025 report of the legal service summarises systemic support provided to unlawfully detained persons, released individuals, and their families. The 562 consultations and cases of legal support reflect not only the scale of demand for legal assistance, but also the difficulties families face: uncertainty about the whereabouts of their relatives, the complexity of procedures, a lack of clear information, and the need for ongoing legal support.