MFA: One country ready to become patron state to assist Ukrainians in Russia
Photo: Andrii Sybiha, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
One country expressed readiness to become a protecting state under the Geneva Conventions to assist Ukrainians in Russia, states Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Sybiha reminded that Russia is holding thousands of Ukrainian prisoners of war, civilian hostages, and deported children on its territory. Meanwhile, Moscow denies international observers and medical personnel access to them.
Efforts are ongoing to return Ukrainians from Russia and ensure they are treated properly.
"At the ministerial conference this week in Canada, one country expressed its readiness to become a protecting state under the Geneva Conventions to assist Ukrainians in Russia. We are working to make this possible," emphasized the Foreign Minister.
Patron state
A patron state is a neutral country that can perform certain functions following the Geneva Conventions.
As explained by Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, diplomats from such a state may be granted access to prisoners of war and civilian hostages.
In particular, they will be able to deliver medicines and raise issues regarding the release of Ukrainians from captivity.
Back in April, Lubinets mentioned that Russia was discussing the possibility of allowing the Turkish ombudsman access to Ukrainian prisoners of war.
