---
title: "Russia First Allows Foreign Envoy Access to Ukrainian Prisoners"
description: "For the first time since the full-scale war, an foreign envoy—Cardinal Matteo Zuppi—was granted physical access to Ukrainian POWs, announced Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets following a recent exchange of 270 Ukrainians."
date: 2026-10-24T17:50:36.102Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/russia-first-allows-foreign-envoy-access-to-ukrainian-prisoners
tags: [ukraine, russia, prisoners-of-war, dmytro-lubinets, matteo-zuppi, exchange]
author: "Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Russia First Allows Foreign Envoy Access to Ukrainian Prisoners

![Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets during a briefing](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/24/rossiya-vpervye-dopustila-inostrannogo-poslannika-k-ukrainskim-plennyim/rossiya-vpervye-dopustila-inostrannogo-poslannika-k-ukrainskim-plennyim-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Cardinal Matteo Zuppi became the first foreign envoy granted access to Ukrainian prisoners
- Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets confirmed regular contacts with the Russian side regarding exchanges
- An exchange on October 23 brought back 270 Ukrainian citizens, including 86 illegally convicted defenders

Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets announced an unprecedented event: an international representative was physically granted access to Ukrainian prisoners of war for the first time since the full-scale war began. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi became the first such envoy, opening a new window for international monitoring of detention facilities. This step represents a crucial element in the negotiation process amid ongoing efforts to release Ukrainian citizens from Russian places of detention.

### First Visit by an International Envoy

According to the Ukrainian ombudsman, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi's access to Ukrainian defenders marks an important precedent in the humanitarian sphere. Previously, foreign diplomats and religious figures lacked direct physical access to prisoner-of-war detention sites within the Russian Federation. This visit demonstrates certain shifts in approaches toward granting access to independent observers.

### Ombudsman Dialogue and Regular Contacts

Dmytro Lubinets also confirmed that Ukrainian defenders have begun recording visits by representatives of the Russian human rights commissioner. The Ukrainian ombudsman himself regularly holds working meetings with Russian commissioner Yana Lantratova. During their most recent dialogue, the parties discussed in detail further practical steps for returning Ukrainian citizens to their homeland, emphasizing the complex and multi-level nature of the negotiation process.

### Recent Prisoner Exchange and Releases

The events surrounding the envoys' admission unfold against the backdrop of a large-scale prisoner exchange that took place on October 23, 2026, marking the first such event in two months. A total of 270 individuals returned home to Ukraine, including National Guard servicemen, Azov regiment fighters, border guards, territorial defense members, Naval Forces, Ground Forces, and Air Assault Forces, as well as nine civilians.

### Significance of Humanitarian Progress and Prospects

Dmytro Lubinets described the recent exchange as historical, noting a record number of released illegally convicted defenders—86 people, along with one serviceman who faced ongoing criminal prosecution. The Ukrainian side expresses hope for maintaining positive momentum and intends to continue its work until all citizens are fully returned from Russian places of unfreedom.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Россия впервые допустила иностранного посланника к украинским пленным, - омбудсмен](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/rosiya-vpershe-dopustila-inozemnogo-poslantsya-1792863696.html) - The primary source confirms all facts regarding Cardinal Zuppi's visit, Lubinets' statements, and the October 23 prisoner exchange.

## FAQ

### Which foreign representative gained access to Ukrainian prisoners?

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi was granted access to Ukrainian prisoners of war for the first time since the full-scale war began.

### How many Ukrainians returned home during the latest exchange?

As part of the exchange on October 23, 2026, 270 individuals returned to Ukraine, including nine civilians.

### Who leads the negotiation process for prisoner returns on behalf of Ukraine?

The negotiation process and regular meetings with the Russian side are coordinated by Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets.