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Petition

for the Release of Ukrainian Prisoners of War, Civilians, and Deported Children

Dear President Donald J. Trump, Members of the United States Congress, and Representatives of the Administration of the President of the United States,

​

We, the undersigned, express our deep concern regarding the ongoing human rights abuses, including the unlawful detention of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians within the Russian Federation, as well as the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. We call on the U.S. government to take swift and effective actions to halt these abuses and support the safe return of those affected to their homeland.​

 

Three years have passed since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Despite significant international efforts to resolve the crisis and uphold human rights, the situation remains critical. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians continue to endure severe violations, including unlawful imprisonment, forced deportation, torture, and other forms of inhumane treatment.​

 

We therefore urge the United States government to implement robust measures to address these ongoing abuses and assist in safeguarding and fully restoring the rights of those affected.​

 

Our Appeals

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​We respectfully call on the United States government to:

 

1. Advocate for the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians: 

 

  • Utilize diplomatic channels to apply pressure on the Russian Federation to end the unlawful detention of Ukrainian citizens.

  • Amplify international awareness and condemnation of these human rights abuses.

 

2. Support the safe return of deported Ukrainian children:

 

  • Endorse and reinforce international initiatives aimed at halting the forced deportation of Ukrainian children.

  • Provide assistance in ensuring their safe and secure repatriation to Ukraine, in full compliance with international law.

 

3. Promote accountability for perpetrators of these crimes:

 

  • Support international investigations into these crimes against humanity.

  • Advocate for the prosecution of individuals and organizations responsible for these violations through appropriate legal channels.

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We firmly believe that the active engagement of the United States government will be instrumental in addressing these egregious violations of human rights and ensuring justice for the victims. Your leadership and commitment to upholding international law and human dignity will serve as a powerful force in advancing these efforts.

Appendix A: Reasons for Addressing the United States Government

The following outlines the reasons for our urgent appeal to the United States government:

 

1. The Urgency of Decisive Action

 

Three years of conflict have demonstrated that the resolution of these atrocities requires the active engagement of democratic leaders like the United States. Without such leadership, accountability for these crimes risks being deferred indefinitely.

 

2. The Escalating Humanitarian Crisis 

 

Evidence of mass violations — including torture, illegal detentions, and forced deportations — continues to grow. This underscores the pressing need for immediate action to prevent further suffering.

 

3. The U.S.’s Leadership on the Global Stage 

 

As a champion of human rights and international law, the United States has the influence and tools to mobilize the international community to address these violations effectively.

 

4. Creating a Precedent for Justice 

 

By taking decisive action today, the U.S. can set a precedent for confronting similar violations in the future, ensuring accountability and reaffirming the principles of justice and human dignity.

Appendix B: Facts and Context

The following details provide a factual basis for understanding the scope and severity of the ongoing human rights violations:

 

1. Ukrainian Prisoners of War (POWs):

 

Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, thousands of Ukrainian service members have been captured and held in Russian prisons and penal colonies.

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  • As reported by The New York Times, approximately 8,000 Ukrainian POWs remained in captivity as of October 2024.

  • Numerous credible accounts have documented instances of torture, physical abuse, inadequate nutrition, and denial of medical care.

 

Relevant Violations:

  • Geneva Convention (III) Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War (1949);

  • Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (1998).

 

2. Civilians:

 

According to the International Society for Human Rights (IGFM), over 14,000 Ukrainian civilians are currently detained in Russian facilities. The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights has reported that more than 16,000 Ukrainian civilians have been detained, with only 168 individuals successfully released.

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  • Reports describe brutal conditions, including torture, inhumane treatment, and the denial of basic rights.

  • In September 2024, global outrage was sparked by the death of a Ukrainian journalist who had been abducted by Russian authorities, deported, and unlawfully detained for over a year. She succumbed to torture and mistreatment while in Russian custody.

 

 

Relevant Violations:

  • Fourth Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (1949);

  • Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (1998).

​

3. Forcible Deportation of Ukrainian Children

 

Data from Ukraine's Children of War platform indicates that at least 19,546 Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to Russia. The Ukraine Conflict Observatory estimates this number to be approximately 31,000.

 

Relevant Violations:

  • United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989);

  • Fourth Geneva Convention (1949);

  • Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (1998).

Supporting Organization:

Endorsed by:

Organizations
 

  • Russian America for Democracy in Russia

  • Liberty Forward

  • ​Batani Foundation

  • ​Feminist Antiwar Resistance USA

  • ​Voice of Free Russia Chicago

​

Scientists

​

  • Alexander Kabanov, NC, Fellow of AAAS, US National Academy of Inventors, Member Academia Europaea

  • Igor Efimov, IL, Northwestern University

  • Sergei Erofeev, NJ, Rutgers University

  • Maksym Kovalenko, Zurich

  • Yuri Bukhtiyarov, PA, Claim Therapeutics

  • Tatiana Tatarinova, CA, University of La Verne "Negotiations with Russia need to include the conditions of  immediate release of all war and political prisoners" ​​

  • Anna Krylov, CA, University of Southern California

  • Jan Kubik, NJ, Rutgers University, New Brunswick

  • Anton Mosunov, NY, Cornell University "Thank you for everything you're doing"

  • Elizaveta Litvak, FL, Arizona State University 

  • Inna A. Ruslanova, MD

  • ​Maryna Lvovska, MD

  • Maria Dmitrieva, FL, ATTK MUSEUM

  • Rostislav Khrapko, NY, Corning Incorporated "My heart with Ukraine"

  • Tatiana Zvonareva, VA "I am a Russian citizen. I stand with Ukraine and openly speak out against the actions of the dictator Putin, because it’s the right thing to do. I urge the American people to do the right thing as well. The genocide of Ukrainians must be stopped. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for the good people to do nothing."

  • Mariya A. Nikolayev, VA, Stride K12

  • Denis Iatsiuk, CA, South regional center of archaeology "Free Azov"

  • Natalia Forrat, MI, University of Michigan

  • Lev Deych, NY, Queens College, CUNY

  • Angela Tkachenko, NY

  • Igor Aizenberg, NY, Manhattan University

 

​Public Figures and Journalists

​

  • Iurii Rusakov, NY, Journalist SotaVision

  • Alexander Gerasimov, FL, Journalist

  • Ilya Ponomarev, DC, Public Figure, Congress of People’s Deputies of Russian Republic 

  • Kirill Lyagushev, Canada, Public Figure, Canadien Center for development of democracy in Russia

  • Michael Novakhov, NY, Public Figure, NY State Assembly

  • Makar Lukiantsev, NY, Public Figure

 

Medical Professionals

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  • Elena, NV

 

Artists and Creators

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  • Anna Vialkina, Moscow, Feminist Antiwar Resistance

  • Viktor, British Columbia, Canada

  • Nastia Rybnikova

  • LuAnne White, MN "Please bring all kidnapped children, civilians, and all prisoners home to Ukraine"

  • Nina Lysenko, NY

  • Anastasia Nagornaia, NC

  • Tetiana Ridosh, NC

  • Kristina Ptashnikova, CA

  • Ilinska Svitlana, Ukraine

  • Galina, WA

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Activists

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  • Dmitry Valuev, VA, Russian America for Democracy in Russia DC

  • Elena Kuzmina, IL, Russian America for Democracy in Russia Chicago

  • Nadia Valueva, VA, Russian America for Democracy in Russia DC

  • Irina Livadnaya, NY, "Freedom for Ukrainian POWs, Civilians, and Deported Children"

  • Marina Bobykina, IL, Russian America for Democracy in Russia Chicago

  • Vladimir Danilchenko, IL, Russian America for Democracy in Russia Chicago

  • Stanislav Livadnyi, NY, Russian America for Democracy in Russia New York, Freedom for Russia

  • Vasily Bublikov, IL, Russian America for Democracy in Russia Chicago

  • Oleg Klimenchuk, IL, Russian America for Democracy in Russia Chicago

  • Mariya Efimova, CA

  • Dmytro Bozhko, FL

  • Olga Mekleus, NY

  • Ilia, NY

  • Yulia Zaporozhtseva, NY, Russian America for Democracy in Russia New York

  • Nikolai Trofimov, IL, FBK

  • Aleksei Ivanenkov, NY "Glory to Ukraine! Putin to Hague!"

  • Nina Kulikova, NJ

  • Elena Lukianova, IL, Russian America for Democracy in Russia Chicago

  • Ivan Lukianov, IL, Russian America for Democracy in Russia Chicago

  • Yana Kurkusha, PA

  • Karen Andreasian, FL, Hope Harbor Society "I stand with Ukraine against Putin’s barbaric war!!!"

  • Danil Kolesnikov, CA, FBK "Нет войне !!!"

  • Andrei Chibakov, CA , For Honest World (YT, TG), "The truth is on our side, which means Putin will fall soon"

  • Meri Yermakov, FL

  • Tatiana Sandler, MD "I stand with Ukraine since 2013. #russiaisaterroriststate"

  • Olga Smolyankina, IL, Russian America for Democracy in Russia Chicago

  • Eva Pron, FL

  • Anna Skripak, CA

  • Kirill Kolotov, CA

  • Vladimir Trambovetsky, CA

  • Konstantin Kulikov, NY

  • Iuliia, CA "Don't give up!"

  • Elena Timko, IL

  • Timofei Timko, IL

  • Denis Grubenko, NY, For Freedom in Russia

  • Eduard Gorshkov, CA, Russian America for Democracy in Russia Sacramento

  • Anna Ivshina, CA, Russian America for Democracy in Russia Sacramento "The people of Ukraine need your support!"

  • Tatiana Lomakina, NY, Freedom for Russia "Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦"

  • Natalia Yudina, CA "America must stand with the victim, not the aggressor—support Ukraine, not Russia, and save innocent civilians from torture."

  • Elena Zakharov, MA

  • Artem Peremitin, CA "All Ukrainian prisoners of war must be released and Russian aggressors must be severely punished!"

  • Ilya Zaslavskiy, DC "Slava Ukraine! Free all Ukrainian prisoners of war and stolen children!"

  • Valerii Grachev, CA

  • Aleksandr Davidiants, NY

  • Elena Skorniakova, MD

  • Iuliia Smirnova, CO, Colorado for Democracy in Russia

  • Mariia Zanina, CA

  • Margarita Kurganskaia, CA "We will not give up Ukrainian land."

  • Brian Lund, NV

  • Viktor Kuznetsov, CA

  • Ekaterina Anisimova, CA

  • Iurii, CA

  • Sergei Savostyanov, CA

  • Iana Viatkina, CA "Free Ukrainian prisoners of war, civilians, and deported children"

  • Eldar Shagivaleev, CA

  • Alena Bunina, CA

  • Zemfira, NY

  • Scarlett M Okhremenko, NY

  • Iuliia Dulova, VA

  • Borisova, NC, Charlotte support for Ukraine

  • Lev Sidorkin

  • Gleb Latnik, DC, United Help Ukraine

  • Andrei Korniichuk, WI

  • Valentina Chemeris, VA

  • Anastasiia Stepanova, CA, Russian America for Democracy in Russia Sacramento

  • Tatiana Maksimenko, CA

  • Dmitrii Zhmyrev, NY

  • Svetlana Shelegova, NY

  • Roman Popov, CA

  • Iuliia Komysheva, SC

  • Nataliia Tucker, PA "I ask for assistance in returning stolen Ukrainian children to Ukraine from the Russian Federation!"

  • Oleg Klimenchuk, IL, Russian America for Democracy in Russia Chicago "Stand with Ukraine!"

  • Rustem Teliapkulov, FL, Russian America for Democracy in Russia Tampa

  • Artem Shaliapin, CA

  • Galina Titova, FL

  • Olga Sidorkina, CA

  • Vladimir Kiriushin, PA

  • Irina Khlebantsova, CA

  • Ilya Pipkin, FL

  • Anstasiia, IL

  • Aleksandr Rakov, IL, Russian America for Democracy in Russia Chicago

  • Svetlana Rakova, IL, Russian America for Democracy in Russia Chicago

  • Tatiana M, CA

  • Elena Kaspirovich, IL, Voice of Free Russia Chicago

  • Igor Chernenko, CA, Sunflower society

  • Eldar Muratov, FL

  • Natalia, IL, Russian America For Democracy Chicago "Freedom for Ukrainian prisoners of War and deported children. And the Russian aggressors must be severely punished. Let's support Ukraine!"

  • Tamara Mak, Canada

  • Vitaly, IL

  • Heather Roggen, MI

  • Evgeniia Grinkina, CA

​

Concerned Individuals

​

  • Olesia, CA

  • Pavel Vasilionak, VA, "All Ukrainian prisoners and children should be returned to their homes (and their homes need to be rebuilt)"​​

  • Tetiana Salasiuk, NC

  • Natalia Ivanova, Deutschland

  • Galina Kashevskaya, VA, "If we do not protect others, no one will protect us"

  • Oleg Ravun, VA

  • Yuriy Tymoshenko, FL, American Coalition for Ukraine "Russian state must release of Ukrainian POWs, Civilians, and Deported Children"

  • Oleksandra, IN, "Russia is a terrorist state!"

  • Dmitriy Marmyshev, WA

  • ​Tatyana Menshikova, VA

  • Aleksandra Makarcheva, CA "Stop the War! Hands off from the Ukraine! Freedom to the Free Ukraine!"

  • Iuliia Ubushieva, NY

  • Tatiana Kapuza, CA

  • ​Mikhail Zaporozhtsev, NY, Russian America for Democracy in Russia New York

  • Larisa Odeyanko, MD

  • ​Vadim Ivanov, IL, Voice of free Russia

  • ​Anton, IL

  • Nadezhda Iudova, PA

  • Aleksandra Peshina, NY

  • Iuliia Sadikova, CA "Stand with Ukraine!"

  • Evgenii Biriukov, NY 

  • Marina Iakovenko, CA

  • Mariia Bulatova, CA, The Voices of Russian Opposition in Sacramento

  • Polina Kostenko, CA "Слава Украине!"

  • Maksim Yevstratov, FL

  • ​Irina Mironova, CA, Unitek College "Glory to Ukraine"

  • ​Yana Marmysheva, WA

  • Dmitrii Alekseev, CA

  • Evgenia Kagan, NY

  • Evgeniia Boiko, CA

  • Aleksandr Kurochkin, PA

  • Mariia Kolotova, CA

  • ​Evgeniia Ponomarenko, NC​

  • ​Maxim Ponomarenko, NC

  • ​Linda Kobler, TX

  • Andrea Bertram, PA

  • ​Tatyana Piver, CA

  • Jody Frank, VA

  • Dmitrii Kivoenko, NY

  • ​Tatiana Jackson, NY "Continue supporting Ukraine in their fight against Russian occupation! Provide all necessary military aid, weapons and finance. Put more pressure on Russian government regarding release of Ukrainian civilians and military held prisoners. Return Ukrainian children home to Ukraine."

  • ​Anna, CA​

  • Yvonne Costanza, TX "Ukraine is our ally. Russian is not."

  • Elena Bright, NY

  • Stephanie Sanchez, WA

  • Nathan Richard, FL

  • Victor Ross, OR

  • Lisa O'Neal, WA

  • Maria Perlova, VA

  • Ian Livadnyi, NY

  • Olena Sambur, NC

  • Natalia Nalimova, NC "Stop War and release of all Ukrainian people"

  • Sergei Timofeev, Poland "Millitary criminal must be punishet, antinazy coalition 2 must be created"

  • Iuliia Chernova, CA

  • Elena Shikhova, CO

  • Lyudmila Dolgopyat, NY

  • Vadim Narseev, NC

  • Valeriia Manchuk, VA

  • Irina Klimenko, IL

  • Nikolay Mashkov, NY, Russian America for Democracy in Russia New York

  • Natalia Tchernycheva, MD

  • Aleksei Sergeev, AZ, Russian America for Democracy in Russia

  • Yulia Agostini, NY, Russian America for Democracy in Russia New York 

  • Sofya Khukhlayeva, GA

  • Semen, NY

  • Aleksei, CA

  • Iuliia Elfimova, IL, Russian America for Democracy in Russia Chicago

  • Ekaterina Pinkney, VA

  • Anna Sadomova, VA

  • Jim Schraith, CA

  • Vladimir Zaslavsky, MD

  • Almas Kenges, CA "Слава Украине"

  • Rusanda  Kovalchuk, NY

  • Olga, IL

  • Nikolai, CA

  • Thel Fergison, IN

  • Tayisa Volyanska, WA

  • Ayur Ochirov, MA

  • Jesse Sisler, IL

  • Rebecca, IL

  • Cristobal Diaz, PA

  • Daniel Tse, IL

  • Alex Glushchenko, IL, Russian America for Democracy in Russia Chicago

  • Aleksei Bulychev, NC "Stop the war"

  • Yury, IL "Save Ukraine, Save the world! We must do all of our best to defeat Ukrainians from insane Putin's regime."

  • Kathy Shore, IL "The pain these people have endured over the last three years is beyond belief. This is their country. Make this stop without having them give anymore than they have already."

  • Elena Konurova, MD

  • Oleg Boguslavskiy, NY "Make America fair again! Stand with Ukraine!"

  • Irina Voloshina, NY

  • Irene Vesne, NY

  • Tatyana Zaytseva, NJ

  • Inna, NY "Freedom to Ukrainians in custody!"

  • Anatoliy Roshchin, Russia "No country can impose its order and lifestyle on another country. Intervention from the civilized world is possible only if the very foundations of life are being violated."

  • Alexander Eisman, Russia

  • Ale[andre Roitman, Canada

  • Denis Zehovoy, Canada "Glory to Ukraine! We shall overcome"

  • Katharine Golovin, Canada

  • Irina Roitman, Canada

  • Natasha Reznitsky, Canada

  • Lisa Jurczak, MI

  • Michael Salop, IL

  • Yulia Shilnova, NY

  • Maria Pogarskaya, NY

  • Stanislav Polennikov, FL

  • Irina Polennikova, FL

  • Viktoriia Pudova, CA

  • Bettylea Boice Sena, AZ

  • Aleksandr, IL

  • Liia, OR

  • Pedro Gomez, IL, Northwestern Medicine

  • Aleksandr Bulanov, CA

  • Dmitrii Grinkin, CA, Russian America for Democracy in Russia Sacramento

  • Tatiana Gaines, CT "Grateful to MrZelensky for helping Europe get united in their resistance against Putin aggression"

  • Daryl Thompson, Canada

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