Abduction of Local Self-Government Officials by Russian Occupiers in Ukraine

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation has resulted in the capture of 60 representatives of local self-government by Russian troops between February 24 and May 8, 2022. The abductions aim to deprive community members of vital support and enable the Russian occupation forces to commit further crimes. Local self-government, along with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, has been actively resisting the invaders, and its representatives have been targeted by the occupiers.

Key Takeaways:

• 60 representatives of local self-government were captured by Russian troops between February 24 and May 8, 2022.
• 37 local government employees have been fired and are relatively safe, with 20 of them being heads of territorial communities.
• 23 employees and officials of local self-government bodies remain in captivity, with their fate unknown.
• The abduction of local government officials is seen as a premeditated crime by Russia to facilitate further crimes and undermine community support.
• Local self-government in Ukraine is considered a real army that skillfully and effectively responds to challenges.
• Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development Vyacheslav Negoda has advocated for the protection of local government officials from abduction, torture, and harassment.
• The Ministry of Community and Territorial Development has drawn international attention to the abduction of local government representatives to find ways to free them.

Statistics:

• 60: Number of captured representatives of local self-government between February 24 and May 8, 2022.
• 37: Number of local government employees who have been fired and are relatively safe.
• 20: Number of heads of territorial communities among the 37 local government employees who have been fired.
• 23: Number of employees and officials of local self-government bodies still in captivity.
• 15: Number of the European Committee for Democracy and Governance's (CDDG) meeting where Deputy Minister Negoda spoke about the abduction of local government officials.

Sources:

• Regional military administrations' reports on the abductions of local self-government officials.
• Statements by Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development Vyacheslav Negoda on the protection of local government officials.
• Speech by former Minister of Community and Territorial Development Oleksiy Chernyshov on the role of local self-government in Ukraine.
• Ministry of Community and Territorial Development's reports on the abduction of local self-government representatives.