The occupiers are powerless against Ukrainian cities, so they terrorize, kidnap, and capture Ukrainian officials. Mayors of cities, communities, and their deputies are forced to cooperate with the occupier.

As of April 3, 11 heads of local communities from Kyiv, Kherson, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolayiv, and Donetsk oblasts are in captivity of the russian military.

“These are acts of terrorism,” said Iryna Vereshchuk, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for the Reintegration of the Occupied Territories, a few days ago, clarifying that information on Ukrainian prisoners is not available in full.

Earlier, she noted that the Ukrainian authorities are trying to establish where all prisoners are. Vereshchuk also added that on April 2, after the liberation of the territory of the Kyiv oblast from the invaders, the murder of the Motyzhyn starosta Olha Suhenko became known.

Our officials are courageous, strong, and unwavering in their patriotic position. They selflessly try to help the military, residents, volunteers, activists and regulate the life of cities, they stay with communities even in occupation, understanding their own risks. Let us remind you that the officials are civilians, not military. And taking them hostage is a blatant violation not only of rights and freedoms, but also of the laws and customs of war!

Kidnapping of civilians is a war crime under the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I. These documents prohibit the taking of civilian hostages in time of war and regulate the protection of civilians in time of war.

Earlier, we made an appeal to the international community to respond immediately and harshly to these atrocities of the russian occupiers. Spread the word and join the signatories! russia and its leadership must be brought to justice for all the crimes committed in Ukraine!