Russian Families in Ukraine Told: Pay Us or Your Captive Dies — New Extortion Tactic Targets POW Relatives

**Russian Families in Ukraine Told: Pay Us or Your Captive Dies — New Extortion Tactic Targets POW Relatives** KYIV, Ukraine — Russia has deployed a new tactic in its war: extorting money from Ukrainian families who have relatives held as prisoners of war. Authorities in Ukraine say they have received reports of Russian forces contacting families and demanding payments in exchange for the release or safe treatment of captives [135973]. The scheme targets families already suffering from the loss or capture of loved ones. In some cases, the captors provide a brief video or message as proof of life before demanding a specific sum, usually in cryptocurrency [135973]. Ukrainian officials warn that these demands are a criminal fraud, not a legitimate negotiation, and that paying may not secure a prisoner's release [135973]. This approach marks a shift from previous Russian tactics, which focused on military targets and infrastructure [135973]. By directly threatening families, the Kremlin appears to exploit personal desperation for financial gain [135973]. Human rights groups have condemned the practice as a violation of the laws of war, which prohibit the taking of hostages and the use of coercion against civilians [135973]. Ukrainian authorities urge families to report any such contact immediately and not to make payments [135973]. They caution that the extortionists often have no power to free anyone, and that the money only funds further Russian military operations [135973]. As the war grinds on, this new method of psychological and financial warfare adds another layer of terror to the daily life of Ukrainians [135973]. Meanwhile, the financial strain on Moscow is growing. Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked the country's wealthy oligarchs for direct donations to support Russia's military budget [112938]. Russia's defence spending increased by 42% last year, and its budget deficit has widened sharply [112938]. To stabilize the economy, the government has raised taxes [112938]. U.S. sanctions have forced Russia to sell oil at large discounts, reducing state income [112938]. Analysts say Russia’s battlefield position means it can afford to wait for a peace agreement, with President Putin feeling no urgency to negotiate [17045]. Recent talks indicate he remains committed to his military campaign despite growing economic challenges [17910]. The Kremlin has also used peace negotiations as a weapon, demanding Ukraine give up territory the Russian military has failed to conquer [80394]. In related developments, Ukraine is tracking multiple vessels carrying grain stolen by Russian forces. The grain dispute is expanding, with shipments reaching ports in Egypt and Algeria [135493]. Separately, Lithuanian authorities arrested suspects linked to a Russian military intelligence plot to kill people, including a fundraiser for Ukraine [134815].

Russian Families in Ukraine Told: Pay Us or Your Captive Dies Putin Seeks Oligarch Donations to Fund War as Defence Budget Strains Russia Holds Advantage, In No Rush on Ukraine Deal, Expert Says Putin Signals Long War in Ukraine Amid Economic Strain Putin's "Peace" Talks Demand Ukraine's Surrender Ukraine Tracks Ships with Stolen Grain as Grain Dispute Reaches Egypt and Algeria Lithuania arrests plotters over Russian GRU murder plan. Ukraine also detains Israeli ship with stolen grain.