Ukrainian Ombudsman holds negotiations with Russia's Commissioner for Human Rights on prisoner exchange
Photo: Verkhovna Rada commissioner for human rights Dmytro Lubinets (facebook.com/dmytro.lubinets)
Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets had a conversation with his Russian counterpart Tatyana Moskalkova regarding the exchange of prisoners amid the Ukrainian military operation in the Kursk region, according to a statement from the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets during a national telethon.
"Regarding the situation with Russian prisoners of war, I cannot disclose details, but you have seen the video where Russian soldiers surrender... As for communication with the Russian side, I can speak for myself. Yes, there was an initiative from the Russian counterpart regarding this issue," said Lubinets.
He noted that despite statements in Russian media about a decision to suspend exchanges, information exchanges between the Ukrainian and Russian ombudsmen are ongoing.
"I also inform the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN that the rights of Russian prisoners of war are being protected. And at any time, Ukraine is ready to continue exchange processes based on the Geneva Convention," added the ombudsman.
At the same time, commenting on reports about captured Kadyrov's troops, Lubinets said he does not have information on the military units of the Russian prisoners but added that such reports allow for "more positive" considerations regarding exchanges.
Ukrainian army's offensive in the Kursk region
More than a week ago, Ukrainian forces began an offensive in the Kursk region of Russia. The aim of the operation is to protect residents of the border regions of Ukraine from Russian shelling.
Yesterday, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Ukrainian troops have taken control of an area of 40 square kilometers and 74 settlements in the Kursk region.
Today, it was revealed that the Ukrainian forces have completely cleared the city of Sudzha of Russian troops.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian forces are achieving their strategic objectives in the Kursk region.
In addition, Ukrainian fighters are actively capturing Russian troops. Specifically, according to Syrskyi, over 100 Russian soldiers were taken prisoner by the Ukrainian forces today.
