Families of 115th Brigade Prisoners Rally in Paris Urging Stronger Pressure on Russia

Families of Captive Soldiers Hold Demonstration in Paris

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: In Paris, relatives of detained and missing Ukrainian servicemen from the 115th Separate Mechanized Brigade organized a demonstration to support Ukraine and demand increased international pressure on Russia. Participants urged the global community to respond firmly to violations of the rights of Ukrainian prisoners of war. The Coordination Headquarters on the Treatment of Prisoners confirmed the event.

The families highlighted reports of torture and inhumane conditions faced by Ukrainian POWs within Russian detention facilities. They also raised concerns about the concealment of information regarding their loved ones. Humanitarian organizations currently lack access to these detention sites, complicating efforts to monitor the prisoners' welfare. Thousands of Ukrainian families have been left without news of missing relatives for years.

Ongoing Efforts to Secure the Return of Defenders

Relatives of the 115th Brigade servicemen emphasized their unwavering commitment to bringing every defender home and holding Russia accountable. Notably, on August 24, 2023, Ukraine secured the release of ten soldiers through a prisoner exchange conducted via Belarus. All returned fighters had been defending Ukraine's frontlines in the Donetsk region and were previously considered missing. Among them, two had been listed as missing since 2024, and eight since 2025.

Russia has acknowledged the locations of 79 Ukrainian soldiers previously classified as missing under special circumstances. Nearly 40 coordinators and representatives from families of prisoners and missing personnel have agreed to establish a joint working group to maintain ongoing communication and advocate for their cause. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has initiated regular meetings with coordinators from families of the fallen, missing, and imprisoned soldiers to facilitate dialogue, identify issues, and develop solutions.

'For years, thousands of Ukrainian families live in uncertainty-waiting for any news and striving to learn the fate of their loved ones.' – Coordination Headquarters on the Treatment of Prisoners

This Paris demonstration is part of a broader campaign aimed at raising awareness about the dire situation of Ukrainian prisoners of war. Amid ongoing conflict and frequent human rights violations, such actions play a crucial role in mobilizing international organizations and governments to respond to this humanitarian crisis. Engaging the global community is vital to improving the conditions for detained Ukrainian soldiers and increasing the likelihood of their safe return.

The ongoing struggle for the rights of Ukrainian prisoners of war has been highlighted by the recent confirmation of 32 soldiers' captivity, adding urgency to the families' demands for accountability. As the situation evolves, the need for comprehensive information and support becomes increasingly critical. For further details on the confirmed status of these servicemen, you can read more about the latest updates on the unified registry.