Joint Statement by Congressman Steve Cohen, OSCE PA Special Representative on Political Prisoners, and MP Azadeh Rojhan, PACE General Rapporteur on Political Prisoners in Europe, on the OSCE Officials Incarcerated by Russia

We strongly condemn the continued detention of three Ukrainian nationals — Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov — all former OSCE officials who were unjustly arrested and convicted following farce trials by the Russian-controlled “supreme courts” in the occupied territories of Ukraine. We call on the Russian Federation to immediately and unconditionally release them. Their incarceration is a travesty of justice and an affront to the OSCE, the Council of Europe, and all international institutions committed to peace, accountability, and the rule of law.

Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov were carrying out their duties as part of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, which was internationally mandated and explicitly authorized by the Russian Federation as a participating State of the OSCE. Their detention constitutes a blatant violation of the principles of international law, including the obligations to protect international organization personnel and ensure their immunity for actions performed in the course of their official duties.

The charges against Mr. Golda, Mr. Petrov, and Mr. Shabanov are entirely without merit and politically motivated. These men are political prisoners. Their continued detention is not only unjustifiable but represents a direct assault on the values and integrity of multilateral diplomacy and conflict resolution efforts.

We are especially alarmed by recent reports that Mr. Dmytro Shabanov is being transferred to the Russian Federation, where he may face even more perilous conditions and heightened threats to his health and safety. This transfer underscores the urgent need for international attention and action.

We further urge all participating States of the OSCE, Member States of the Council of Europe, and the broader international community to speak out and take action. The protection of international mission personnel must be upheld without exception. Failing to respond to such violations sets a dangerous precedent for the safety and legitimacy of international observers and peacekeepers everywhere.

We stand in solidarity with the families of these three brave individuals, and of other Ukrainian civilian captives unlawfully detained by the Russian Federation and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to securing their freedom.

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