Seizure of Ukrainian vessel "Sapphire" and capture of civilians: three Russian servicemen to face trial, – National Police. PHOTOS

Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have concluded the pre-trial investigation into the unlawful detention of the crew of the civilian vessel "Sapphire" at the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.

According to Censor.NET, this has been reported by the National Police of Ukraine.

Investigators established that in February 2022, a high-ranking officer of the Russian Black Sea Fleet with the rank of vice-admiral gave the order to detain the crew of a Ukrainian rescue vessel that was carrying out a humanitarian mission.

What happened?

According to the investigation, the order was passed on to the commanders of two Russian ships – a rescue and tug vessel and a reconnaissance vessel. They stopped the ‘Sapphire’, which was heading to Zmiinyi Island to evacuate wounded and deceased Ukrainian servicemen.

There were 21 civilians on board, including a doctor and clergymen. Despite the absence of weapons and military personnel, the crew were forcibly detained.

The people were held in appalling conditions – without sufficient food or water, and under constant threat of physical violence.

The investigation established that the vice-admiral personally arrived on the temporarily occupied island of Zmiinyi, where he ordered the ship’s captain to be interrogated. He attempted to ascertain the crew’s possible links with Ukrainian security forces.

Despite confirmation of the people’s civilian status, the Russian military officer continued to oversee their unlawful detention and ordered the prisoners to be transferred to the temporarily occupied Crimea.