Seven (7) Sri Lankans who were in Ukraine for work and studies were allegedly kidnapped and tortured by the Russians, Ukrainian journalist Maria Romanenko reported.
Citing the Kharkiv Region’s Police, the journalist said the Sri Lankans had been allegedly beaten, had their nails torn off, and were forced to work for free by the Russians.
She further said that the 6 men and 1 woman from Sri Lanka, all aged 20-40 had arrived in Ukraine around 3 weeks before the all-out invasion.
The group had rented a house in Kupiansk, which was occupied until a few days ago, and were hiding in their house for some time until they decided to try and flee into Kharkiv in Ukraine.
However, they were stopped at the first Russian checkpoint that they tried to cross.
The Russians had allegedly blindfolded them and took them in an unknown direction, which later turned out to be Vovchansk, also occupied until a few days ago, Romanenko said.
The journalist further revealed that after the areas were liberated by Ukraine, the 7 Sri Lankans tried to walk to Kharkiv again.
“When they found a hotel on their way, the security guard there took them in, looked after them, and called the Police,” she added.
Stating that the 07 Sri Lankan are now safe, Maria Romanenko said the Kharkiv Region’s Police are investigating their case. (NewsWire)
