Lubinets calls on world to help free Ukrainian civilians held by Russia

Civilian hostages detained before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine need immediate release.

Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, posted this on Telegram.

The Ombudsman mentioned 52-year-old Olena Pekh, who was sentenced to 13 years in prison for her clear pro-Ukrainian position, among hostages held by the Russian Federation for the fifth year already.

"The woman suffered terrible torture – she was pushed to attempted suicide. Prior to her detention, she had been diagnosed with epilepsy. Olena cannot walk because she has a destroyed hip joint and lives with unbearable pain," the Commissioner noted.

According to him, the health status of the Ukrainian is assessed as extremely critical as a result of torture and long years of imprisonment. She needs immediate release to save her life and get qualified medical assistance.

Lubinets once again emphasized that no international organization had been allowed to visit civilian hostages illegally held by Russia over the past seven years, the hostages had not been provided with the necessary medical assistance and had not been allowed to call their relatives. The real situation with the Ukrainian hostages may be critical.

"We cannot remain silent when the Russian Federation violates the Geneva Conventions and tortures our people! Ukraine needs the world's help to free all civilians!" the Ombudsman emphasized.