{
  "id": 11478106,
  "title": "Ombudsman: 41 people, incl teenagers and children, return to Ukraine from occupied territories",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/ombudsman-41-people-incl-teenagers-and-children-return-to-ukraine",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T16:36:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Interfax-Ukraine",
    "slug": "interfax-ukraine",
    "url": "https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/1213752.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ombudsman's office, in collaboration with partner organizations, facilitated the return of 41 Ukrainian citizens from occupied territories via the Mokrany-Domanove border crossing in Volyn during August and September. Among the returnees were four children and five teenagers, according to Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets. Lubinets emphasized that this act marked the end of months or years of life under occupation, characterized by fear, pressure, persecution, and constant uncertainty. One family was reunited after the father was released from captivity, while another family had been under constant surveillance by occupying forces. The younger son had been held captive since April 17, 2022, while the mother and son had been subjected to forced medical treatment. A medical professional was evacuated just before being mobilized into the aggressor state's armed forces. Another individual faced multiple detentions and had his passport confiscated, making his return a crucial step towards regaining control over his life.\n\nThe Ombudsman's office, alongside the International Charitable Foundation Caritas Ukraine, is supporting these individuals through document restoration, financial aid, temporary housing, psychological and social support, as well as travel arrangements. During this period, 1,140 people received assistance through this joint project, including those who were evacuated. However, there are still Ukrainians in occupied territories who cannot leave, particularly in Oleshky and surrounding communities in the Kherson region, where elderly people, people with disabilities, the sick, and families reside in dangerous conditions with limited access to essential resources. The Ombudsman's office continues to receive daily appeals from individuals seeking to leave the occupied territories and is working diligently to review every request, find viable routes, and engage state and international partners to ensure the right of return for every person.",
  "summary": "With the assistance of the Ombudsman's Office and partner organizations, 41 Ukrainian citizens returned via the Mokrany-Domanove border crossing in Volyn in August and September of this year.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ombudsman's office helped 41 Ukrainian citizens return from occupied territories.",
    "Four children and five teenagers among the returnees, according to Dmytro Lubinets.",
    "Ombudsman's office and Caritas Ukraine support reintegration and well-being."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Kyiv Independent",
        "title": "Ukraine returned 41 civilians from occupied territories through Volyn border crossing in August and September, says ombudsman",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/ukraine-returned-41-civilians-from-occupied-territories-through-volyn",
        "published": "2026-10-02T17:23:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}