A total of 66 Ukrainian citizens have been successfully relocated from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine (TOT) and from Russian territory to areas controlled by Ukraine.

This was reported by the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets.

66 Ukrainians returned from TOT and Russia

“We managed to relocate another 66 citizens of Ukraine from TOT and the Russian Federation to the territory controlled by Ukraine. I stress that these individuals found themselves under systemic pressure, persecution, and lack of access to basic rights. Some suffered physical and psychological violence, threats with weapons, torture, and two individuals were illegally deported to the Russian Federation. Others remained in TOT without documents, medical assistance, or any support,” said Dmytro Lubinets.

According to him, among those who are now in the controlled territory of Ukraine are:

• a family that faced severe persecution from occupying forces, including illegal searches, extortion, property seizure, and armed threats;
• elderly individuals in critical condition, the oldest being 96 years old;
• people with severe illnesses and disabilities.

“Additionally, we managed to transfer citizens who were forcibly moved to Russia without any legal status - in violation of international humanitarian law,” Lubinets shared.

He added that among those returned were individuals who lacked valid Ukrainian documents and were completely isolated from the outside world.

The Ombudsman noted that Ukraine not only returns its citizens but also provides them with comprehensive support.

“️I would like to add that Ukraine does not just return its citizens - it supports them. After the relocation, the state, in collaboration with humanitarian partner organizations, provided temporary housing, financial assistance, legal, psychological, and medical support,” Lubinets added.