Dangers of cooperation with Russia: relatives of prisoners of war warned of blackmail and obstacles to exchange

It was held in the Office of the Ombudsman meeting with relatives of missing and prisoners of war servicemen of the 47th OMBR. The representative of the Ombudsman in the security and defense sector Yuriy Kovbasa, as well as representatives of the Coordinating Headquarters for Prisoners of War, the Security Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Armed Forces of Ukraine answered the questions of those present.

The families of prisoners of war were warned about the danger of cooperation with Russia. It was emphasized that the Russian side can use blackmail, promising the release of prisoners in exchange for actions that may be considered by Ukraine as treason. Careless actions by relatives can also endanger POWs themselves, reducing their chances of exchange.

Yuriy Kovbasa spoke about the constant communication between the Ombudsman of Ukraine and the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Russian Federation regarding visits to prisoners of war and exchange of letters. He emphasized that Ukraine regularly informs the international community about Russia’s violation of the rights of prisoners of war.

The representative of the Coordination Headquarters added that successful exchanges depend on the replenishment of the exchange fund, which the Defense Forces of Ukraine work on daily.

Work on the return of all Ukrainians from Russian captivity continues continuously.