UN Mission should investigate killing of prisoners in Olenivka - Ukrainian Ombudsman

On the second anniversary of the Olenivka terrorist attack, Lubinets called on the United Nations to resume its investigation into the killing of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

The Ombudsman reminded that on August 3, 2022, UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced that the organization was preparing a group of experts to investigate the death of prisoners in Olenivka. Five months later, he disbanded the fact-finding mission on the Olenivka colony strike due to a lack of security guarantees!

"Russia did not provide access to Olenivka to either Ukraine or international organizations. However, another factor that likely led to the disbanding of the mission is that all three foreign members of the mission are effectively under Russian influence," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, according to Lubinets, the UN mission never agreed to review Ukrainian materials regarding the explosion at the colony.

"I have repeatedly tried to meet with its members and expressed my willingness to personally hand over the materials available to Ukraine. I also proposed to the Russian Commissioner for Human Rights to visit the site of the tragedy together, to which I received a refusal," said the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights.

The Ombudsman stressed that the crime in Olenivka remains unpunished.

"Everyone involved in the terrorist attack must be held fully accountable. We are doing everything to ensure this happens as soon as possible. I urge the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross to deliver their mandate and investigate the attack. This crime has no period of limitations and cannot be swept under the rug!" Lubinets said.

On the night of July 28-29, 2022, the Russians attacked the Olenivka colony, where some Ukrainian prisoners of war from Azovstal were being held. As a result of the strike, more than 50 Ukrainian soldiers were killed, and about 130 were injured.