UK statement on abductions of journalists and local government figures in Ukraine

Minister for Europe and North America, James Cleverly said:

Russia must immediately release all illegally-detained persons in Ukraine and we call on Russia to end its egregious violations of human rights.

We condemn those responsible for the reported abductions and abuse of Ukrainian activists, human rights defenders, volunteers, journalists, health-care workers and government representatives in the areas of Ukraine under control of the Russian army.

Gross violations of Ukraine’s democratic sovereignty cannot be tolerated. Local politicians and civil society actors are fundamental to a democratic society and it is contemptible that Russia has taken steps against them.