Sybiha calls for genuine access of intl mechanisms to places where Ukrainians being held in Russia

At a recent UN Security Council meeting held in the Arria format, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha urged for genuine access by international monitoring mechanisms to locations where Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians are being held in Russia. Speaking to reporters on X, the minister detailed the systemic nature of atrocities committed by Russia, including torture, sexual violence, cruel and degrading treatment, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, and sham prosecutions.

He emphasized that the testimony from eyewitnesses at the meeting was deeply disturbing and corroborated the findings of UN mechanisms and international experts over many years.

Sybiha pointed out that international bodies continue to face obstacles in accessing these detention sites, especially within temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. He specifically highlighted the plight of missing persons, who may actually be in captivity, as well as the situation of individuals still detained since the inception of Russian aggression in 2014.

The minister called for heightened pressure on Russia, emphasizing the necessity of accountability paired with documentation. He stressed the importance of securing meaningful access for international monitoring mechanisms, intensifying the search and return of all Ukrainian prisoners of war and unlawfully detained civilians, and ensuring justice for every victim.

Sybiha also expressed appreciation to Latvia and the United Kingdom for organizing the UN Security Council meeting in the Arria format, as well as to all partners who support Ukraine. He pledged continued efforts within the UN and beyond until every Ukrainian held in Russian captivity is freed and every perpetrator is held accountable.