All Ukrainian servicemen returned from Russian captivity required medical assistance.
This was reported by Dmytro Lubinets, the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada for Human Rights, during a TV broadcast.
“This exchange did not differ from previous ones. Unfortunately, we officially recorded that all returned Ukrainian citizens required medical help. After the exchange, they immediately went to medical facilities,” Lubinets said.
The Ombudsman added that Russia repeatedly violates the Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War, adopted in 1949.
“The Russian Federation does not keep Ukrainian prisoners of war in proper conditions. We recorded that guys who had been in captivity for three years were transferred from one penal colony to another,” he added.
Also, Russians applied torture to Ukrainian servicemen. In particular, according to Lubinets, one of the freed captives said he was not allowed to go outside.
“They do not take them outside, force them to learn the Russian anthem and sing it,” Lubinets added.
Lubinets stated that servicemen will be able to receive compensation in the future for violations of their rights and the torture inflicted on them.
“In my opinion, we must legally document all human rights violations. My staff work during the return process and record cases of torture. I believe that after some time, everyone who suffered torture will be able to restore their rights. Yes, we will need to go to court and demand that the international community introduce new methods of documenting torture,” he said.
The Ombudsman noted that Russia’s violations of the Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War are considered war crimes.
“Practically 80% of Ukrainian servicemen returned in prison-issued black uniforms that did not fit them. And when the Ukrainian servicemen complained about their health, we recorded that the Russian side did not provide medical assistance,” Lubinets said.
In response to questions, he emphasized that all returned from captivity will be able to file lawsuits and receive compensation in the future.
