International observers and medics in the Russian Federation do not have access to thousands of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian hostages held on its territory. One of the countries has declared its readiness to act as a patron state to help Ukrainians held in Russia. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiga, reports UNN.
"Right now, thousands of Ukrainian prisoners of war, civilian hostages and forcibly deported children are being held in Russia. Moscow is denying international observers and medics proper access to them, as guaranteed by international law. Unfortunately, existing international instruments cannot protect the rights of our people," Sibiga said.
He noted that at this week's ministerial conference in Canada, one country declared its readiness to act as a Protecting State under the Geneva Conventions to help Ukrainians in Russia.
Recall
Last week, UNN reported that the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets received lists of missing soldiers and letters from prisoners of war via Qatar.