Sentsov reminds at PACE how many Ukrainians illegally held in Russia

“The aggression against my country is ongoing. Crimea and Donbas remain occupied. At least 86 Ukrainians, mostly Crimean Tatars, are held in Russia. In addition, at least 227 people are held in prisons in the occupied Donbas, which is controlled by Russia,” Sentsov said during the discussion of challenges to international human rights mechanisms posed by authoritarian regimes, an Ukrinform correspondent reports from Strasbourg.

He expressed his hope that the Council of Europe would promote the release of Ukrainian political prisoners illegally held by Russia.

Sentsov also criticized the decision to return Russian delegation to the PACE.

 “Most Ukrainians and personally I do not welcome this step as Russia did not fulfill necessary conditions, including the implementation of the relevant resolutions and recommendations. Russians consider it a victory as they came back here without doing anything and continue to work as if nothing happened. I hope it's not so. We have not forgotten anything. Let's see what happens next,” Sentsov added.

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