Reaffirming its unwavering support for Ukraine in achieving a decisive victory over the Russian Federation after the full-scale aggression that began on February 24, 2022, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe once again condemns the situation of Ukrainian prisoners of war, foreign volunteers fighting for Ukraine and civilians held in Russian captivity. The Assembly will continue to work for the release of the last prisoner in accordance with President Zelenskyy’s peace plan, in particular paragraph 4, which provides for the release of all prisoners and deportees.
It is noted that the International Committee of the Red Cross should be granted immediate and unimpeded access to all places of detention and conduct regular visits. The Assembly calls on the international community to support the fulfillment of this mandate. The ICRC can make an exception to the principle of confidentiality by providing public information on the problems of access to places of detention.
demanded proper treatment of prisoners in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights standards.
called for the immediate release of all prisoners on the basis of the principle of “all for all” and their social and medical rehabilitation.
Ms. Kulinska noted that the Russian Federation and those responsible for crimes against Ukrainian prisoners must be brought to justice.
“This resolution is the voice of every prisoner, every family waiting for the return of their loved ones. This is our common step towards justice and the restoration of the rights of our citizens. As of September 18, 2024, 65,956 military and civilians were registered as missing or captured. Of these, 50,916 are confirmed missing persons. These figures are impressive and speak for themselves,”- Bilozir wrote.