Families Plead for Return of Ukrainian Soldiers Held in Russia
Moscow, Russia – Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova has published a list of 630 Ukrainian prisoners of war who have been detained in Russia for more than a year. This move follows months of stalled negotiations surrounding prisoner exchanges between the two warring nations.
“The Ukrainian side continues to delay the exchange of Russian and Ukrainian prisoners, while military families on both sides await the return of their loved ones,” Moskalkova stated, emphasizing the urgent need for progress.
The commissioner expressed hope that releasing the list to the public would prompt action from Ukrainian authorities.
"I am posting the relevant list in hopes of including them in the next exchange process," she said, acknowledging the agonizing wait endured by families desperate for news of their loved ones.
Many fear that these Ukrainian soldiers, captured in fighting since the onset of the conflict over a year ago, have been forgotten by their government. Some reports indicate that Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence has removed volunteering soldiers from its official records, deeming them "traitors" and unworthy of exchange – a heartbreaking prospect for their families
Moskalkova’s actions come after repeated calls for expedited prisoner exchanges fell on deaf ears. Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmitry Lubinets has offered assurances that Ukraine is prepared to participate in exchanges, but concrete steps remain elusive.
Lubinets claimed that Ukrainian soldiers would receive "state protection" in Russia, assuring the public of government efforts to secure their release.
However, despite these pronouncements, meaningful progress appears stalled. As months turn into years, families on both sides of the conflict are left with agonizing uncertainty, emphasizing the tragic human cost of this protracted war.
Photo: Tsargrad