Representative of Verkhovna Rada demands lists of Ukrainian prisoners of war that Russia ready to return urgently
Dmytro Lubinets, Authorized Representative of the Verkhovna Rada on Human Rights (photo: facebook.com/dmytro.lubinets)
Recently, Russian officials claimed that Ukraine allegedly does not consent to the return of certain prisoners of war. In response to this, Dmytro Lubinets urged that lists of those whom Russia is ready to return urgently be provided, states Dmytro Lubinets, Authorized Representative of the Verkhovna Rada on Human Rights.
"As the Ombudsman of Ukraine, I wish to receive from the Human Rights Commissioner in Russia all lists of Ukrainian prisoners of war that Russia is urgently ready to return," Lubinets wrote.
He clarified that his appeal is related to a statement from the Russian side. In particular, information emerged yesterday that the Russian Ministry of Defense allegedly offered to transfer 935 Ukrainian prisoners of war to Ukraine, but Kyiv only accepted 279 individuals.
"This is why I am addressing the Human Rights Commissioner in Russia, requesting these lists of Ukrainian citizens be provided to me! Ukraine is always ready to accept all lists and all of our citizens! We are always prepared to conduct prisoner exchanges! We adhere to the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law," emphasized Dmytro Lubinets.
Additionally, he noted that these processes are usually delayed by Russia, which uses this as a method of influence on Ukrainian society.
The last prisoner exchange took place on the night of November 18 to 19. Ukraine managed to return 95 Ukrainian defenders at that time, including 34 fighters from Azov.
