Cardinal Zuppi meets Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia for first time since 2022

Foreign representative visits Ukrainian detainees

For the first time since the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion, a foreign representative was physically granted access to Ukrainian prisoners of war. This representative was Cardinal Matteo Zuppi.

This was announced by the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada, Dmytro Lubinets. Ukrainian defenders also confirmed that representatives of the Russian human rights ombudsman have begun visiting them.

Negotiations on the return of citizens

The Ukrainian ombudsman noted that he regularly meets with the Russian human rights ombudsman, Yana Lantratova. During their latest conversation, the parties again discussed further steps to return Ukrainian citizens to their homeland.

Lubinets emphasised that every exchange is the result of complex negotiations and, at the same time, an opportunity for progress in the release of prisoners of war and civilians.

Hopes for maintaining positive dynamics

The Commissioner expressed hope that the positive dynamics regarding access for representatives will be maintained. According to him, the Ukrainian side will do everything possible to ensure all citizens return from Russian places of detention.