In a notable development amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions, Ukraine’s Human Rights Commissioner, Dmytro Lubinets, and Russia’s newly appointed Ombudsman, Yana Lantratova, have reached an agreement to facilitate a direct exchange of official documents between their respective institutions. This initiative comes despite the severed diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Lubinets emphasized the necessity of this exchange, noting that there are frequent requests from citizens seeking access to documents from Russian archives, particularly for purposes such as pension eligibility. He stated, “This will enable us to resolve civil law issues for our citizens more efficiently.” The existing diplomatic rupture had complicated such processes.
Lantratova expressed her support for the initiative, and Lubinets confirmed Ukraine’s willingness to provide similar documentation for Russian citizens residing in Russia.
Additionally, Lubinets submitted a list to the Russian side detailing correctional facilities and pre-trial detention centers where, according to Ukrainian sources, the conditions for Ukrainian prisoners of war are particularly dire. He reported receiving preliminary assurances from the Russian side that they are prepared to initiate monitoring visits promptly, with the intention of keeping Ukraine informed about the conditions observed.
Ukraine has proposed two new approaches for monitoring the treatment of prisoners:
- Allowing the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access to Ukrainian prisoners of war, which Russia currently does not permit;
- Involving ombudsmen from other countries in monitoring efforts. Lubinets has already compiled a list of colleagues willing to participate in a monitoring mission.
In return, Ukraine is ready to grant these missions access to Russian prisoners of war to establish a degree of parity.
The discussions also addressed the issue of human rights violations concerning Ukrainian prisoners, particularly regarding inadequate medical care and nutrition. Lubinets remarked, “We observe this in our men and women returning from captivity. They have lost dozens of kilograms due to insufficient food supply.”
On June 5, the day of the meeting, a prisoner exchange took place, which included the release of five Ukrainian civilians, including an 84-year-old woman who was reunited with her daughter. Lubinets underscored his approach to negotiations, stating, “I do not wish to engage in discussions for the sake of appearances. I will proceed only if there are tangible results.”
Ukraine and Russia have agreed to a direct exchange of official documents, aimed at addressing civil matters for citizens of both countries. This agreement, reached between the two ombudspersons, also includes proposals for monitoring prisoners of war under challenging conditions.
Source: РБК-Україна