Russia does not allow international organizations to participate in prisoner exchanges
On February 16, Ukraine returned 101 people from captivity (Photo:Andriy Yermak/Telegram)
Russia is refusing to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to participate exchanges of prisoners of war, in violation of the Geneva Conventions, spokesperson for the Main Directorate of Intelligence or HUR of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry Andriy Yusov has said.
Speaking on Ukrainian national television on Feb. 17, he said that Russia was violating the elementary requirements of the Geneva Conventions and international law.
“In particular, (Russia) does not provide information about the whereabouts of prisoners,” Yusov said.
“The International Committee of the Red Cross often tries to take an active part in these processes, but it is hardly possible without the consent of the Russian Federation.”
The HUR representative added that in most cases, Ukraine independently and bilaterally resolves the issue of exchanges.
“It is difficult because, firstly, the Geneva Conventions do not directly provide for and do not require exchanges until the end of the war, and on the other hand, we are dealing with an enemy who manipulates and interprets these conventions at its own discretion,” he concluded.
On Feb. 16, another exchange of prisoners from the Russian Federation took place. Ukraine returned home 101 people, including one civilian.
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