Russia

Russia does not hold Ukrainian civilians prisoner — ombudswoman

TASS English · 2026-07-22

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Russian Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova stated that Russia does not hold Ukrainian civilians captive and allows those wishing to return home to leave through Russian territory. • Why it matters: This statement aims to counter allegations of Russia's mistreatment of Ukrainian civilians amid ongoing military operations, highlighting a narrative of humanitarian concern from the Russian government. • What to watch next: Monitor developments regarding the treatment of civilians in conflict zones and any potential responses from Ukraine or international organizations regarding these claims.

Military operation in UkraineRussia does not hold Ukrainian civilians prisoner — ombudswoman Yana Lantratova also said that if there are citizens of Ukraine who wish to go home, they "can freely leave through Russian territory"MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. Russia does not hold peaceful citizens of Ukraine in captivity and does not hinder their return home, Russian Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova told TASS in an interview. "Russia does not hold peaceful residents in captivity. This is also a humane attitude. For example, it hurts me and I take offense when they say that we are transporting a criminal, but it is an elderly man who came out with a hunting rifle during the shelling of his home - is he a criminal? He is not a criminal at all. And of course, we always act very humanely in this regard," Lantratova said. According to her, if there are citizens of Ukraine who wish to go home, they "can freely leave through Russian territory." "There was a moment when we saw Ukrainian residents on Russian territory, and we simply handed them over," the ombudswoman noted. "Now, if you look at the tactics that have been chosen on the other side, they are daily attacks on peaceful residents, on playgrounds, on buses with children," the ombudswoman said. She recalled the attack on a bus with Belarusian children who were traveling on vacation to Gelendzhik. "They even strike them deliberately. They strike homes and cultural heritage sites," the ombudswoman stated. 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Source: TASS English
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