Like very many Ukrainian civilians, Maksym Butkevych saw no option but to join Ukraine’s Armed Forces soon after Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He was taken prisoner, as were other members of his unit during military action near Zolote and Hirske in the Luhansk oblast. There was clearly a period when his parents knew absolutely nothing, only that Maksym was not getting in contact, so the Russian propaganda video on 24 June, showing an interrogation, at least told them that he was alive. His mother told Babel.ua that they have still had no contact with Maksym, and that only two of the men he was taken prisoner with have been allowed to make brief calls, with those now over two weeks ago (on 25 and 26 June). Maksym is a well-known journalist and human rights defender who has for a long time been active in the project ‘Without Borders’. He helped ensure that the plight was known of many asylum seekers facing deportation from Ukraine to Russia, Belarus or other countries where they were in danger. Ukraine’s record in this area is not good and Maksym would certainly now be speaking out on behalf of Karin Potyomkina, a Belarusian living in Ukraine who is in danger of extradition, although she was recently awarded for her work as a volunteer in clearing the rubble after Russia’s savage bombing of Bucha in Kyiv oblast.
via khpg: Well-known Ukrainian journalist and rights defender taken prisoner by Russian invaders