Sixty-six Ukrainians have been successfully evacuated from temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and from Russian territory to areas controlled by Ukraine.

This was reported by the Ukrainian Parliament’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets.

Successful return of 66 citizens from occupied territories and Russia

“We have successfully relocated 66 Ukrainian citizens from the temporarily occupied territories and Russia to the controlled territory of Ukraine. I emphasize that these individuals faced systemic pressure, persecution, and a lack of access to basic rights. Some experienced physical and psychological abuse, threats with weapons, and torture; two individuals were illegally deported to Russia. Others remained in the occupied territories without documents, medical help, or any support,” said Dmytro Lubinets.

According to him, among those already in the controlled territory of Ukraine, there are:

• a family that faced severe persecution from the occupying forces, including illegal searches, extortion, property confiscation, and armed threats;
• elderly individuals in critical condition, the oldest of whom is 96 years old;
• people with severe illnesses and disabilities.

“We also managed to relocate citizens who were forcibly moved to Russia without any legal status, violating international humanitarian law,” Lubinets reported.

He added that among those returned were individuals who did not have valid Ukrainian documents and were completely isolated from the outside world.

The Ombudsman noted that Ukraine not only brings back its citizens but also provides them with comprehensive support.

“I would like to add that Ukraine does not just return its citizens – it supports them. After their relocation, the state, in cooperation with humanitarian partner organizations, provided temporary housing, financial assistance, legal, psychological, and medical support,” Dmytro Lubinets added.