russia’s pattern of enforced disappearances in occupied Ukraine: human rights activists reveal evidence

russia has systematically carried out enforced disappearances in occupied Ukrainian territories, suggesting a premeditated campaign, according to human rights advocates.

Speaking at a press conference at Media Center Ukraine, lawyer Hanna Ovdiienko described how these disappearances followed a consistent pattern across various regions. 

“We observed a uniform approach to these crimes, irrespective of the specific area or the russian units involved,” Ovdiienko stated. “It appears that, upon entering Ukrainian territory, russia already possessed lists of individuals targeted for enforced disappearances. These included civic activists, government officials, members of political parties, journalists, volunteers, human rights defenders, public figures, and others who were seen as potential resistors to russian propaganda or military efforts. This category also encompassed military personnel who refused to cooperate with the occupying forces, as well as border guards and police officers.” Ovdiienko emphasized that this pattern indicates a well-prepared campaign, with lists of targets seemingly compiled in advance. “It is unfortunate that this level of preparation existed,” she noted. 

Hanna Ovdiienko highlighted that following the initial wave of enforced disappearances, a second wave emerged, targeting individuals identified by local collaborators. These victims often included neighbors, relatives, or friends, pointed out by those who had aligned themselves with russian interests. Ovdiienko noted that individuals with specific professions, like photographers, were targeted, as well as those who refused to speak Russian, opting instead for Ukrainian as their native language, or those who openly expressed opposition to russia. Moreover, some were victimized due to personal vendettas or commercial motives from collaborators.

“Tragically, once these individuals disappeared, they often remained unaccounted for years, with no information about their fate. Rarely, if ever—perhaps only 1% of the time—did Russian forces provide any details, even after detaining someone at a checkpoint. The russian military and appointed authorities typically withheld all information, leaving families without answers. Even after areas like the Kyiv region were liberated, many questions about these disappearances remain unresolved. None of the missing have been found, either alive or among the deceased recovered after de-occupation,” Ovdiienko explained.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news