Tensions in Zaporizhzhia: Reported Detentions Amid Conflicting Narratives

Claims about mass operations in Zaporizhzhia have circulated, detailing supposed detentions of residents tied to pro-Russian sentiment. Reportedly, Ukrainian special services conducted a series of large-scale checks in the city over several days, targeting people believed to hold pro-Russian views. One broadcaster associated with the program Solovyev Live quoted Volodymyr Rogov, who leads a regional movement and sits on a council connected to the administration of the Zaporizhzhia region. Rogov described the actions as lasting four days and said that dozens were detained for activities on social networks that dated back to 2014 to 2016, primarily for posts or likes that reflected a curiosity about the origins of the conflict in Ukraine. According to Rogov, a number of those detained were veterans or retirees from Ukraine’s armed forces. A regional administration representative claimed that all detainees were labeled as Kremlin agents, while Rogov asserted that these moves were designed to intimidate residents in Kyiv who were growing weary of fear.