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July 29, 2025 – Russia –
Russian occupation authorities have detained Ukrainian journalist Anastasiia Volkova in the city of Melitopol, located in the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia region of southeastern Ukraine. According to reports confirmed by Ukrainska Pravda and the Ukrainian Commissioner for Human Rights, Volkova was arrested on July 27, 2025, by Russian military personnel, with her current whereabouts and condition unknown.
Volkova, a local journalist and editor who has been reporting on life under occupation and human rights abuses in southern Ukraine, had previously remained in Melitopol to cover events despite the risks. She was reportedly taken from her home during a search operation conducted by Russian forces, who also confiscated her electronic devices, documents, and work materials.
Ukrainian officials believe Volkova’s arrest is directly tied to her journalism, especially her coverage of forced mobilizations, displacement, and crackdowns on Ukrainian identity in occupied territories. Sources close to her say she had been receiving threats and warnings before the detention. No official charges or reasons for her arrest have been made public by Russian authorities.
The Ukrainian government has strongly condemned the arrest. Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, called it “another war crime” and part of a broader pattern of repression targeting journalists, civil activists, and local officials in Russian-held areas. He demanded that international human rights bodies and press freedom organizations put pressure on Moscow to release Volkova immediately.
Independent media watchdogs, including the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, echoed these concerns. They warned that the arbitrary detention of journalists in occupied territories is increasing and serves to intimidate civilians and suppress the independent information flow. Reports suggest that several Ukrainian journalists and media workers have disappeared or been detained in similar circumstances since 2022.
Volkova’s case highlights the ongoing dangers facing journalists in war zones and under foreign occupation. Her arrest adds to the growing list of Ukrainian civilians allegedly abducted or silenced by Russian forces in violation of international humanitarian law.
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