The Turkish ombudsman will visit locations in Russia where prisoners are held, according to Lubinets.

As reported by the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada for Human Rights, Dmitry Lubinets, via Telegram, this was discussed during a meeting with the families of the imprisoned servicemen of military unit 3033.

Representatives from the Coordinating Staff on the Treatment of Prisoners of War, the Joint Center under the Security Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Reintegration, the National Institute for Strategic Studies, the National Guard, and a representative from the military unit answered questions from the relatives of the soldiers who have been captured.

The family members were particularly interested in why representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross were not present at the meeting.

The ombudsman’s representative, Yuri Kovbasa, addressed this question: “ICRC representatives indicated that they are working with private data, so citizens can contact them privately.”

In response to the question, “Is the Ukrainian side aware of the health condition of our prisoners of war?”, the ombudsman’s representative noted that Russia continues to violate the Geneva Conventions, which is evident from the condition of the soldiers returning home after captivity.

“However, it has finally become known that the Russian Federation has agreed to a visit from the Chief Ombudsman of Turkey, Şeref Malkoç, who, like in Ukraine, will visit the places where prisoners of war are held. The date of his visit remains unknown,” Lubinets noted.

Additionally, the families were informed about the priorities outlined in the Geneva Conventions regarding the repatriation of prisoners of war—specifically, the seriously ill, severely wounded, and women.

“There is also a principle of fairness regarding the expedited return of those held in enemy captivity since 2014; those who were captured or are considered missing or deceased from the same family; and sentenced individuals. Fortunately, in 2024, Ukraine is managing to bring back this category of citizens,” Lubinets stated.

He added that 3,767 Ukrainian citizens have been returned from enemy captivity, with assistance from Qatar and the UAE.

Recently, Ukraine opened a new camp for Russian prisoners of war—“Center-5,” which has been equipped with special conditions for the accommodation of injured POWs.

Ukraine cannot afford to treat captured Russians in the same manner as the Russian Federation treats Ukrainians. However, they will not experience complete comforts.

For all the insights and the latest information, follow our Telegram channel, along with bonuses and quick news.