Israeli family arrested by Russian forces in Melitopol, Ukraine

All three Israelis were released after the daughter attempted to film footage of the ongoing fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces.

 Local residents walk near residential buildings which were damaged during Ukraine-Russia conflict in the besieged southern port city of Mariupol, Ukraine March 18, 2022. (photo credit: REUTERS/STRINGER)
Local residents walk near residential buildings which were damaged during Ukraine-Russia conflict in the besieged southern port city of Mariupol, Ukraine March 18, 2022.
(photo credit: REUTERS/STRINGER)

Three Israeli citizens, two parents and a daughter, were arrested by Russian forces in the southern city of Melitopol, currently under Russian military occupation, Israeli media reported on Sunday.

The three were detained after the daughter attempted to film footage of the ongoing fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces.

All three were released shortly after.

Contact with the three had initially been lost, with close friends in Israel stating they fear for the family's safety, according to Ynet.

 Rescuers help an injured person next to residential buildings damaged by shelling, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine, in this handout picture released March 18, 2022.  (credit: Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Handout via REUTERS)
Rescuers help an injured person next to residential buildings damaged by shelling, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine, in this handout picture released March 18, 2022. (credit: Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Handout via REUTERS)

Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Michael Brodsky confirmed the family was arrested in Melitopol, assuring the embassy has "conveyed the correct message required for the family's release."

The Foreign Ministry followed up on a short statement on the arrests, stating that close friends and family in Israel said all three family members were released.