Almost 12,000 payments made to civilians held illegally by Russia - PM Svyrydenko

To date, almost 12,000 payments have already been made to Ukrainian civilians who were illegally deprived of their freedom by Russia, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has said.

"Released Ukrainian civilians who were illegally deprived of their freedom by Russia will receive a one-time payment of UAH 50,000… As of today, almost 12,000 such payments have been made for a total amount of about UAH 1.2 billion, of which UAH 359 million is a one-time payment after release, and UAH 818.7 million is an annual payment," Svyrydenko said on Telegram.

The Prime Minister said a person can submit an application to the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine, to which they must attach a certificate from the Joint Center for Coordination of the Search and Release of Prisoners of War and Persons Illegally Deprived of Their Liberty as a Result of Aggression Against Ukraine.

In addition, civilians illegally deprived of their liberty who returned to the territory of Ukraine on their own must also provide a document confirming that the person is recognized as a victim in criminal proceedings.

"Civilians released from Russian captivity, regardless of the establishment of the fact of deprivation of personal liberty as a result of armed aggression against Ukraine, receive basic necessities: food, hygiene products, seasonal clothing and footwear, and also have the right to receive free legal, medical, and social assistance," she added.

In addition, those released from captivity and family members of prisoners for whom the Commission has established the fact of deprivation of personal liberty as a result of armed aggression against Ukraine, are entitled to a one-time state aid in the amount of UAH 100,000 upon release, as well as to annual assistance in the same amount for each year of captivity.