In brief
On October 31, the Kremlin announced that no agreements exist for mutual visits by Russian and Ukrainian human rights ombudsmen to prisoners in each country. Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that the recent visit of Ukrainian ombudsperson Dmitry Lubinets to Russia creates a precedent but would need a multistep coordination process. The statement followed a humanitarian mission to Alyoshki that began in May and carried out by both sides with U.S. First Lady Melania Trump’s mediation.
On October 31, the Kremlin said there are currently no agreements that allow Russian and Ukrainian human rights ombudsmen to visit prisoners in the other country.
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov explained that the fact the Ukrainian ombudsperson Dmitry Lubinets visited Russia – the first time a Ukrainian representative had done so in the post of the country’s authorised representative – already set a precedent.
He also stressed that any future visits would have to go through a multi‑step coordination process, with each side working out a plan and then coordinating with relevant authorities.
“If this issue should arise, they must certainly work out a plan in the first place,” Peskov said.
After being asked about the possibility of Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova and Ukrainian Ombudsman Lubinets visiting prisoners in each other’s prisons, the spokesman reiterated that no agreements exist and that the matter would require an extensive preparatory procedure.
The comment came following a humanitarian mission to the settlement of Alyoshki in the Kherson region, a temporary ceasefire of which had been in effect from 04:00 a.m. Moscow time on October 27 to 22:59 p.m. on November 1, 2026. The mission, launched in May 2026 with the assistance of Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova and Melania Trump’s mediation, aimed to support the civilian population with food, medicine, and essential items.
