800 Ukrainians Trapped in Russian Deportation Centers, Facing Legal Limbo

As of July 2025, approximately 800 Ukrainian civilians remain confined in Russian Centers for Temporary Detention of Foreign Citizens under conditions described by human rights advocates as inhumane and illegal, as was reported by Pointmedia.io on July 29.

Many were previously incarcerated in occupied Ukrainian territories and transferred to Russia following the 2022 invasion. Though officially cleared for deportation, they now face indefinite detention, deteriorating health conditions, and legal limbo.

A July report cited 60 Ukrainians detained in Voronino, including 19 with HIV or tuberculosis and 9 women. One man reportedly died by suicide after prolonged isolation. Despite court-issued deportation orders, detainees are frequently denied documents and any timeline for release.

The systemic issue stems from Russia’s refusal to coordinate repatriation directly through Ukrainian border crossings, such as Kolotylivka in Belgorod region, which has been closed for over 18 months.

Many deportees are instead sent to the Upper Lars checkpoint on the Russian-Georgian border. As of mid-July, 90 Ukrainians were stranded at the site in squalid conditions, with at least two medical emergencies reported. Georgia now refuses to admit these individuals, citing legal status concerns.

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War in Ukraine

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Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Russia is using deportation as leverage. Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated: “To avoid further complications, we publicly propose that Russia transport these citizens directly to the Ukrainian border. We are ready to receive them.” He noted that 43 people had been repatriated from Upper Lars since June.

Human rights group “Russia Behind Bars” estimates over 800 Ukrainians remain imprisoned in Russian colonies across the south of Russia and temporarily occupied Crimea.

As of late July, Russian and Ukrainian civil society groups continue to coordinate behind the scenes to locate detainees and advocate for their return. However, Russian authorities reportedly ignore these efforts. With detention centers overcrowded and legal remedies exhausted, families fear the worst.

Earlier, a detailed overview highlighted Russia’s expansion of illegal detention—including new prisons across occupied Ukrainian territories—and its systemic incarceration of civilians and prisoners of war.

It noted forced conscription, coercive passportization, and widespread torture in overcrowded facilities, echoing the conditions experienced by Ukrainians transferred from occupied zones to Russia

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