In Ukraine ceasefire negotiations, put people first: Statement by Representative Steve Cohen, OSCE PA Special Representative on Political Prisoners

WASHINGTON—U.S. Helsinki Commission Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09), OSCE PA Special Representative on Political Prisoners, today issued the following statement urging the leaders of democratic nations to prioritize the release of civilian captives when negotiating a ceasefire in Russia’s war against Ukraine:

In recent weeks, G7 heads of state and government have commented on the conditions required for reaching a durable ceasefire in Russia’s war against Ukraine. As this conversation continues, I want to draw attention to the fact that thousands of civilians are currently held captive as a result of this war.

They include:

•  Ukrainian civilian detainees held by the Russian state, including three OSCE workers
•  Ukrainian children forcibly transferred or deported to Russia
•  Russian political prisoners held behind bars for opposing dictatorship and war
•  Belarusian political prisoners held behind bars for opposing dictatorship and war

Any ceasefire agreement must prioritize the immediate release and return of these individuals — and I urge the leaders of democratic nations to put this issue firmly on the negotiating agenda.

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