Statement of the CivilM + platform regarding the release of some of illegally detained people in Russia, Crimea and the non government controlled territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions
On September 7, 2019, 35 people who had been in custody in Russia returned to Ukraine. The list of persons who were in retaliation extradited to Russia suggests the idea that the release of Ukrainian citizens did not occur as an act of goodwill, reconciliation, recognition of the rule of law, or the implementation of the decision of the International Tribunal, but as an act of bargaining, since the Russian leadership was interested in returning to its territory of specific individuals, such as Volodymyr Tsemakh. Moreover, the release of 35 people does not resolve the problem of persons illegally detained in Russia, Crimea and the uncontrolled territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.