Russian occupation forces have committed another serious violation of international humanitarian law in the seized part of the Kharkiv region. According to official Ukrainian sources, the invaders illegally deported 25 civilians to an unknown location, including minor children, young people, and elderly citizens.
Operation Details and Information Cover
The fact of the deportation became known from the propaganda Telegram channels of the occupiers themselves, who openly boasted about a so-called «rescue operation». However, the exact whereabouts of the abducted civilians and their detention conditions remain unknown, causing extreme concern among human rights defenders and relevant agencies.
Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, stressed that the fate of minor children is of utmost concern. The invaders collect their personal data through specially created Telegram bots under the pretext of 'evacuation', while parents and relatives may not even know where their loved ones are.
Violation of International Law and Ombudsman's Reaction
An examination of the published video materials indicates psychological pressure, intimidation, and deprivation of the people's freedom of choice. Experts and officials classify these actions exclusively as forcible transfer and deportation, which is strictly prohibited by the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (Articles 33, 34, and 49).
In this regard, the Ukrainian ombudsman has already sent official requests to the Human Rights Commissioner in the Russian Federation demanding urgent information on the location and health condition of all 25 deported citizens. At the same time, the mechanisms of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN have been engaged to facilitate their return to territory controlled by Ukraine.
