Investigation of Criminal Offenses of Illegal Detention of Ukrainian Citizens (Civilian Prisoners of War) in the Times of War: Analysis of Efficiency and Ways of Improvement

The paper highlights the results of a study on the investigation of criminal offenses related to the illegal detention of Ukrainian citizens (civilian prisoners of war) in the territory of the Russian Federation and the temporarily occupied territories. The author analyzes the activities of law enforcement agencies of Ukraine in terms of the effectiveness of pre-trial investigation, in particular, making procedural decisions, conducting investigative (search) actions and collecting evidence, as well as bringing to criminal responsibility those responsible for the illegal detention of Ukrainian citizens. Based on the results of the analysis of practical cases, conclusions have been formulated and suggestions have been developed to improve the activities of law enforcement agencies of Ukraine in order to bring the Russian military and representatives of the occupation authorities to criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity.