Donetsk, Apr 27 – DAN. Ukrainian captives are living in three detention centres in the DPR, the Minister of Justice Yuriy Sirovatko said.

"We have three centres redesigned to house prisoners of war, ex-members of the Ukrainian armed forces. A total of 2,600 people are currently held there," he said.

Most of the captives come from Mariupol, Volnovakha, Volodarskiy, Mangush and Rozovka.

"I assure you no one beats them up, or tortures or uses violence against them. Everyone is fed, dressed. Ambulances are on duty round the clock. Medical assistance is provided to those who need it," Sirovatko said.

He explained that investigators identify those among captives who have committed war crimes. The suspects under arrest are relocated to pre-trial detention facilities.

Russia started a special military operation to denazify and demilitarize Ukraine on February 24. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the decision was made after the DPR and LPR Heads addressed him asking for help.

The Russian leader said that Moscow is not planning to occupy Ukrainian territory, the only goal is to protect people who have been continuously shelled and subjected to other forms of genocide by Ukraine for eight years. *ot