Ukraine Urges OSCE Action as Journalists and Civilians Targeted Amid Ongoing Conflict

April 13, 2025 – Ukraine – 

In April 2025, Ukraine intensified its appeals to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to address the dire situation of journalists and civilians affected by the ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukrainian officials reported that 33 journalists remain detained in Russian-controlled territories, facing fabricated charges and inhumane conditions. The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, was urged to utilize all available mechanisms to secure their release and uphold press freedom.

Among the detained are two Ukrainian OSCE staff members, Maksym Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov, who have been held since April 2022. They were sentenced to 13 years in prison by a Russian proxy court in Luhansk on charges of “treason” and “espionage.” Their continued detention has drawn condemnation from international human rights organizations, highlighting the risks faced by OSCE personnel in conflict zones.

The situation escalated further with the death of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna while in Russian captivity. Her body, returned to Ukraine in February 2025, showed signs of torture and was missing vital organs, according to investigative reports. The OSCE expressed horror at the circumstances surrounding her death, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and protection of journalists.

Simultaneously, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. On April 13, 2025, Russian missile strikes targeted the city center of Sumy during Palm Sunday celebrations, killing 35 people, including two children, and injuring over 100 others. The attack, which struck a university conference hall and nearby public areas, was condemned internationally as a blatant disregard for civilian life.

These developments underscore the urgent need for international intervention to protect journalists and civilians in Ukraine. The Ukrainian government continues to call on the OSCE and global community to take decisive action against the ongoing violations of human rights and press freedoms perpetrated by Russian forces.

Reference – 

https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/04/16/osce-representatives-detained-in-russian-captivity-for-over-three-years/

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“They can be saved”: Ukraine urges OSCE action as Russia holds 33 journalists in captivity