Severely ill Ukrainian prisoners of war urgently need to be returned to Ukraine due to the lack of medical assistance provided by Russia, leading to numerous deaths in captivity. This was stated by Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets during a television broadcast.
"In my opinion, this category—severely wounded and critically ill prisoners of war—requires immediate repatriation. It is clear that Ukrainian POWs are not receiving medical care from the Russian side. Sadly, many of our soldiers die due to the lack of medical assistance," he said.
Lubinets highlighted the recent first-ever quadrilateral meeting that included himself, Russian Ombudswoman Tatyana Moskalkova, and leaders of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) missions in Ukraine and Russia.
"We specifically discussed technical matters regarding repatriation procedures. The first step for both countries is to establish mixed medical commissions. Ukraine, with ICRC support, has already created these commissions. We demanded the same from the Russian side—to start verifying the physical condition of all POWs and to begin the repatriation process immediately," Lubinets explained.
He mentioned that Russia indicated they would "work on it," but without providing guarantees.
"However, I hope the ICRC, which participated in the meeting, will insist on Russia fully adhering to the Geneva Conventions. While I don't expect full compliance or a swift resolution, the first and significant step has been made, and we await further meetings," he added.
Lubinets also expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for assisting Ukraine in negotiations regarding POW returns and noted that Qatar is helping with the return of Ukrainian children.
"These countries are using all available leverage and persuasion to influence Russia," Lubinets said.
Additionally, Ukraine has demanded that the UN and ICRC document another Russian war crime—the execution of six Ukrainian soldiers reported on January 23.
"I have appealed to the UN to record this incident and prepare a special report to be presented at the UN and other international platforms. Such actions should not only be condemned in words but must lead to concrete measures—additional sanctions against Russia and increased aid packages for Ukraine and its Armed Forces," Lubinets emphasized.
