Why Civilian Former Prisoners of Russia Struggle to Get State Compensation.

Why It's Harder for Civilians to Receive State Compensation After Captivity in Russia

According to Novyny.live: Unlike military personnel, Ukrainian civilians who have been held captive by the Russian Federation face major obstacles in securing compensation upon their return. According to Oleksandr Pavlichenko, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union, these individuals must prove they were detained—a task made difficult by a lack of official documents.

Currently, only about 20% of civilians are eligible for an annual payment of one hundred thousand hryvnias. In contrast, military members receive compensation through a far simpler process. Pavlichenko highlighted this disparity, stating:

'This is a major problematic issue.' — Oleksandr Pavlichenko

Compensation Challenges and Rights Protection

On June 5 of this year, a large-scale prisoner exchange took place, resulting in the release of 185 Ukrainian defenders and one civilian. To strengthen protections for veterans, prisoners of war, and missing persons, Kyrylo Budanov was appointed to lead the Coordination Council.

The compensation situation for civilians is further complicated by accounts of brutal treatment during captivity. Pavlichenko described the conditions as:

'These are cruel Gestapo-style tortures. This is exactly sexual violence.' — Oleksandr Pavlichenko

Such reports underscore the urgent need to protect the rights of civilians who have endured these traumatic experiences.

These challenges call into question the effectiveness of current compensation mechanisms for civilians victimized by aggression and highlight the need for legal reforms to better support them. As the conflict continues, it is essential to ensure fair treatment for all survivors, regardless of their status, and to establish more transparent and accessible procedures for obtaining compensation.