Every episode of unlawful detention or torture is a part of the Russian Federation's common policy — lawyer of the Media Initiative for Human Rights

Each episode of illegal detention, torture, or deportation of a Ukrainian citizen by Russian forces is not an isolated incident. It is not the decision of a specific Russian military officer. Instead, it is part of a broader Russian policy. And it is implemented across all territories it can reach.

Hanna Rassamakhina, a lawyer and head of the War and Justice Department at the Media Initiative for Human Rights, explained this in an interview with Hromadske Radio:

«We have analyzed these behaviors, identifying patterns and the recurrence of such actions, as well as the various structures involved in committing these crimes. Through this analysis, we have come to the reasonable conclusion that each individual case of illegal detention, torture, deportation, and other crimes is not an isolated occurrence. These are not the result of decisions by individual Russian soldiers. Rather, they are part of a wider policy that Russia is carrying out in the occupied territories of Ukraine and in all areas it can control.»

Russian forces systematically target Ukrainian civilians. It is often based on both real and perceived support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and opposition to Russia.

«This is a systematic attack on civilians based on their real or, more importantly, perceived support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and non-support for the Russian Federation», — Rassamakhina explained.

The lawyer emphasized that the entire top leadership of the Russian Federation is aware of this systematic policy of unlawful civilian detention, torture, and deportation. This includes both military and political leadership. Moreover, this policy is carried out with their approval or under their direct supervision.

«We also concluded that the top leadership of the Russian Federation, both political and military, is fully aware of this policy. It occurs with their approval or under their direct supervision», — Rassamakhina added.

As head of the War and Justice Department, Rassamakhina stated that the crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine should be investigated as crimes against humanity. Although these conclusions may seem evident to those living in Ukraine, she stressed that proving these crimes in international courts is essential for holding those responsible accountable. To that end, the Media Initiative for Human Rights has presented a report as one step toward proving these crimes.

«These conclusions are, frankly, obvious to those of us living in Ukraine. But to build a strong case for prosecution and bring those responsible to justice, Ukraine must prove it—especially in international judicial institutions. This report is just one step in proving these crimes, particularly crimes against humanity», — Rassamakhina said.