Another 45 Ukrainian citizens have been successfully evacuated from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, as well as from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.
This was announced by Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, on Telegram.
"Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Ombudsman’s Office, government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and international partners, we were able to ensure the safe return of 45 Ukrainian citizens from the occupied territories, as well as from Russia and Belarus," Lubinets said.
He emphasized that for many of them, this was the only chance to escape dangers such as restricted rights, lack of access to medical care, pressure, and threats to life imposed by the occupying administrations.
Among the evacuees were people who required special conditions for safe transport — including persons with limited mobility and severely ill individuals who could not physically leave on their own. Ten evacuees needed urgent medical treatment and suffered from serious chronic illnesses. For 23 people, specialized transport and medical support were arranged.
The majority of the returnees were elderly, with the oldest being a 93-year-old woman.
Additionally, some of the evacuees required legal assistance and support, having lost their personal documents and been unable to cross the border independently.
Lubinets noted that some of the individuals who have now reached government-controlled Ukrainian territory had previously been persecuted by occupying authorities. Among them is a family whose father was abducted and tortured by Russian forces, ultimately leading to his death.
"This is why leaving the occupied territories is a rescue from systemic pressure and threats to the life and health of civilians," he stressed.
The Ombudsman’s Office continues to coordinate evacuation efforts, provide legal support, and assist citizens living under occupation, in cooperation with government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and international partners.
An example of such cooperation is a joint project with the international charity foundation Caritas Ukraine. Between February and April 2025, 148 people received assistance under this initiative. These included children, adults, and the elderly, who were provided with financial aid, transportation, legal consultations, and psychological support.
Lubinets thanked everyone involved in this vital work and urged international partners to continue uniting efforts to protect every Ukrainian citizen.
