Ukraine is urging Russia to allow the Red Cross access to Ukrainian prisoners of war.

This was reported by Dmitry Lubinets.

The meeting was initiated by the Ukrainian side. In addition to the Ukrainian ombudsman, the following participants were present:

• Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova;
• Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross delegation in Ukraine Jurg Eglin;
• Head of ICRC delegations in Russia and Belarus Boris Michel.

According to Lubinets, the Ukrainian side has repeatedly emphasized the need for ICRC access to all places of detention of Ukrainian prisoners of war to ensure the full implementation of the Red Cross's mandate and the complete adherence to the Geneva Conventions.

Additionally, representatives of Ukraine reiterated the importance of Russia establishing medical mixed commissions to verify the severely wounded and seriously ill individuals and prioritize their repatriation to their homeland.

Moreover, they discussed the return of civilian citizens held in places of confinement. Both the Ukrainian and Russian sides reported on the transfer of packages and letters for prisoners of war and agreed to continue this humanitarian mission in 2025.

Lubinets also added that during the meeting, they agreed to continue mutual information exchange regarding the search for missing persons among prisoners of war.

At the beginning of January, Lubinets stated there was a preliminary agreement with the Russian Federation to make exchanges systematic in 2025.

On January 15, another prisoner exchange took place between Ukraine and Russia. A total of 25 Ukrainian soldiers and one civilian returned home.

Among those released were defenders of Mariupol and "Azovstal," as well as individuals from Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions. They are suffering from severe injuries and illnesses.