---
title: "Exchange without diplomacy: how the ombudsmen of Ukraine and Russia agreed on saving prisoners and civil records"
description: "The ombudsmen of Ukraine and Russia agreed on a direct exchange of documents and monitoring of detention centers for prisoners, despite the severance of diplomatic relations. Dmytro Lubinets handed over a list of detention centers with rights violations, and in return received a promise of visits. On June 5, an exchange took place, during which 185 military personnel and 5 immobile civilians returned. 🤝🇺🇦🇷🇺"
date: 2026-06-06T18:58:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/exchange-without-diplomacy-how-ombudsmen-of-ukraine-and-russia-agreed-on-saving-prisoners-and-civil-records
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Exchange without diplomacy: how the ombudsmen of Ukraine and Russia agreed on saving prisoners and civil records

![Ukraine's Ombudsman Larysa Grinevych during discussions on prisoner exchange with Russian counterparts](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/06/lubits-landratova-obmen-spravkami-i-plyennymi/lubits-landratova-obmen-spravkami-i-plyennymi-1.webp)

Despite the severance of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Russia, human rights institutions in both countries have found a way to establish a critically important dialogue. The Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, and the new Russian Ombudsman, Yana Lantratova, reached an agreement on the direct exchange of official documents. This step is intended to simplify the lives of citizens whose documents are held in the archives of the neighboring country.

### Civil issues against the backdrop of war

According to Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian ombudsman regularly receives requests from citizens who need documents from Russian archives. Most often, this concerns the certification of pension service records. Severed diplomatic relations previously made this procedure extremely difficult and lengthy. The new format of interaction will allow for faster resolution of civil-legal issues.

Lubinets emphasized that Ukraine is ready to act on an equal footing: the Ukrainian side will also provide similar documents for citizens of the Russian Federation residing on the territory of Russia.

### Monitoring places of detention for prisoners

The key topic of the dialogue was the situation of Ukrainian prisoners of war. Lubinets handed over to the Russian side a list of correctional colonies and pre-trial detention centers (SIZO) where, according to Kyiv's information, the situation regarding the rights of detainees is the worst.

In response, the Ukrainian side received a preliminary assurance of readiness to begin monitoring visits with subsequent notification of Kyiv about the results. In exchange, Ukraine offered to provide Russian missions with access to Russian prisoners of war located on the territory of Ukraine. Such an approach should ensure mutual control and compliance with rights.

### The problem of food and medicine

The parties discussed specific violations of prisoners' rights, in particular, the denial of medical assistance and inadequate nutrition. Dmytro Lubinets cited alarming data based on the testimonies of those who returned from captivity: many of them lost tens of kilograms of weight precisely due to elementary hunger.

### Results of the meeting and exchange

The meeting of the ombudsmen did not remain at the level of words. On June 5, an exchange took place, during which the Russian side separately transferred five immobile civilian citizens of Ukraine. Among those released was an 84-year-old woman who was able to reunite with her daughter.

This exchange took place within the framework of the second stage of a large-scale deal in the format of "1000 for 1000". In total, 185 servicemen and one civilian hostage were returned to Ukraine. Among those released were defenders of "Azov", border guards, and National Guard fighters.

Dmytro Lubinets outlined his position regarding further negotiations: he does not intend to hold meetings for the sake of formality or creating media content. For him, only the real result and saving people matter.