Tetiana Shelest: Mixed medical commissions could further aid in freeing Ukrainian POWs

The establishment of mixed medical commissions in Ukraine, a measure not yet reciprocated by russia, may serve as a critical tool to facilitate the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war, according to Tetiana Shelest, a representative of the Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights. 

Shelest highlighted this potential step during a briefing at the Media Center Ukraine.

“We all witness the physical toll on our heroes upon their return, the drastic weight loss, and the appalling conditions they endure in russian captivity,” Shelest remarked. “Under the Geneva Conventions, those who are severely wounded or gravely ill have the right to repatriation during armed conflicts. Setting up medical commissions is a significant additional tool that could help secure their release.”

Although Ukraine launched its mixed medical commission initiative in mid-2023, russia has yet to respond to the proposal.

“For nearly a year, we’ve been waiting for any feedback from the russian side, but nothing has progressed. It’s clear they [the russians – Ed.] have little interest in reclaiming their own people,” Shelest added. She noted that in early 2023, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets personally delivered a list of seriously wounded Ukrainian prisoners to his russian counterpart in Türkiye. Yet, Shelest said, “There was no response—russia shows no regard for the fate of its own people.”

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news