Ombudsman Demands Restoration of Prisoner Calls: When Russian POWs May Regain Phone Access.

Phone Rights for Prisoners of War

According to Espreso.tv: During a press conference, Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets stated that the right for prisoners of war to call their families must be guaranteed on both sides. However, in September 2024, Ukraine revoked this privilege for Russian prisoners of war due to a rise in brutal treatment of Ukrainian captives by Russian forces.

The restrictions followed an April 2024 petition on the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers’ website, which garnered the required number of votes to demand that Russian prisoners lose their calling rights. The petition’s authors argued that Russia fails to provide a similar opportunity for Ukrainian POWs.

Purpose of the Measures and Compliance with International Law

Lubinets emphasized that the goal of these actions is to ensure every prisoner of war can call their loved ones for at least three minutes. He also stressed that the restrictions do not violate the Geneva Convention, which governs the treatment of prisoners of war.

These decisions stem from the need to respond to the cruelty faced by Ukrainian prisoners in Russian detention facilities. Meanwhile, the exchange of lists of missing soldiers continues, serving as a critical component of humanitarian efforts by both nations.

Revoking phone privileges for Russian POWs highlights Ukraine’s response to human rights violations against its own captives. This step is part of a broader strategy to uphold humanitarian rights amid the conflict and to hold accountable those responsible for brutality in detention centers.

A key element of humanitarian efforts remains the sharing of information about missing personnel, which could help improve conditions for all prisoners of war.